As we bid farewell to the IB2 students who have just graduated and completed all aspects of their Diploma (hopefully getting that 45!), it’s important we take some advice from them based on their experience. This way, we can give ourselves the best shot at surviving the Diploma Programme. Here is some advice on how to survive the IB from IB2s, which will hopefully help you!
Up first, we have Max, an American French student, who advises us to “Study hard and get good sleep.” While this may sound like simple, common-sense advice, a lot of students fall into the boarding school habit of sacrificing sleep, especially during IA and EE season. This leads to bad habits and poor focus in class. Getting enough sleep helps your brain retain information, and studying consistently from the start of IB1 is key. Do your homework, review your notes, and build those good habits early. Thanks, Max, for your short but wise advice!
Now we have Sonja from Serbia, who reminds us, “There’s a big reason why they give you ten months to do the EE instead of the last two weeks of August.” Classic IB behaviour: forgetting about the EE until it’s too late. Her advice highlights how crucial time management is — not just for the EE, but across the whole diploma. Thanks, Sonja, for the reminder!
Next is Sofija from Latvia, who says, “Starting to study for your finals in the spring break is not a good idea.” Very true. There’s too much content to leave it all for the last minute. Many underestimate how much revision is needed and end up stressed and overwhelmed. Even if you’re in IB1, take this advice seriously. Thank you, Sofija, and we wish you all the best!
Finally, Alex from America says, “Read the textbook from cover to cover.” Not everything will be covered in class, or by ChatGPT (yes, I said it). Thanks, Alex — hope you read your university books too!
Thanks, IB2s!
Written by Wissal – IB26 student