Top 10 things to do before starting the IB

But you're going to resume the IB next year? I understand if you're anxious. For all of the rumors and misconceptions about the IB Diploma, it's difficult to see a Pre IB class without a glint of apprehension in their eyes. If it is an exaggeration. However, before starting our own Diplomas, we at TPK experienced all of the same feelings you are experiencing. The truth is, there are lots of grounds to expect the IB as well. The trick is to plan ahead.

With that in mind, we've compiled a list of our top ten tips for preparing for the IB!

1. Take a look at the IB topics.

Take the time to consider how your workload would sound next year, assuming you've already selected your topics. Which question do you believe to be the most difficult for you? In class, what topic would you need to pay special attention to? If you're beginning a completely new topic, be prepared to devote more time to learning how it works. It's important to note that everyone in the IB faces different problems and has different strengths. Importantly, no IB student considers the IB curriculum to be easy. Knowing what to expect would make the transition to next year even better. To do so, make the following predictions:

• Your hardest subject

• Your favourite subject

• The subject you’ll spend the most time on

2. Familiarize yourself with your new topics

Do any homework if you're beginning a new topic that you haven't learned before. Read more on what it means and the sorts of subjects you'll be researching. Don't think about the IB syllabus; instead, reflect on what concerns you. Consider the following scenario:

Psychology – read blogs like We're Only People, and has a number of stories on human nature's quirks.

Market & Administration – Consider paying special attention to the local newspaper's business column.

Global Politics – a fast Google search will turn up a slew of various websites to investigate. Only bear in mind that each one would have its own special slant and opinion.

Although The Economist also discusses business and politics, it's a decent place to start if you want to read more about economics. Alternatively, you should jump down to the basics.

Philosophy for Beginners, an Oxford University podcast, is a good place to start.

Here are the best resources for IB Diploma Year - IB Biology Tutoring online and IB English Tutoring online

3. Maintain your English 

If English isn't your first language, you can do whatever you can to develop your skills before beginning the IB. Read an English-language novel, watch English-language or American films WITHOUT subtitles, or challenge your mates to only speak to you in English at particular times of the day!

 

4. Maintain your Language B

It's critical to maintain your language B alternative during the summer break, just as it is with English. The key to strengthening your language skills is to invest in the necessary time and effort. If you spend time traveling and speaking in a place where the language is spoken (which is a fantastic experience if you can get it! ), you won't be able to learn it naturally unless you make a conscious effort. If it's watching a Spanish TV show or cooking with a French-language recipe book, find ways to get yourself excited about the language. Take a look at these twins who learned Turkish in just 7 days for some motivation!

 

5. Participate in extracurricular programs

The IB is for more than just academics! The IB wants you to do something outside of the school, which is why CAS remains. Take advantage of the summer to carry out new activities that might become interesting CAS ventures next year. Do something you've always wanted to do but haven't been around to it – you never know, you could end up as the next big circus act or find your calling is to found a llama sanctuary. Plus, if you tell us about your CAS project next year, you could be eligible for a TPK Mid-IB Summer Course scholarship!

 

6. Recognize your academic abilities

Consider your research habits. Are they up to par? Is it really so bad? Will you tell a friend about them? The truth is that most of us do not pick our research or work habits; rather, they happen to us. This can be risky because it means we'll do what's convenient or obvious rather than what's best.

Now is the time to find out which research patterns are more effective for you. If you're always skipping deadlines when you put off work at the last minute and then run out of time, push yourself to do your homework on the day it's due rather than the day before. If you find yourself falling asleep before completing your homework, consider doing it sooner. Changing when you live is also a good way to see if working in general (like a library or café) is safer than working in your apartment. I guarantee that if you can figure out how you perform best, you can be years ahead of any other IB students.

 

7. Work on getting organized. 

If you can't seem to stay organized, or if your Math notes are getting mixed up in your sock drawer, now is the time to change it. It's tempting to assume that being disorganized is as much a part of your style as if you like smooth or crunchy peanut butter, but the fact is that it's far more adaptable. Don't plan to change your ways overnight; instead, start tiny. Purchase a folder and practice inserting your notes in it for the remainder of the year, increasing the number of pages and placing them in chronological order. Install a to-do list app and push yourself to use it every day for the next two weeks. One of the most important qualities to learn in the IB is organization, and learning now would make things much easier next year.

 

8. Don't believe the IB rumors.

At the outset of this blog, I discussed the rumors and theories surrounding the IB, but it's important to note that not all of them are real. In reality, the vast majority of them are outright lies. You'll be able to have a social life and follow your own passions while also having fun in your final two years in high school! You can if you remain organized and committed to staying on top of your job. It's not difficult; all it takes is a little commitment. Similarly, don't be thrown off by rumors of how tough a topic is. Yes, HL Math is difficult for those who struggle with math, but if you like it, want to learn more about it, and are good at it, it is clearly a good option.

 

9. Obtain encouragement 

If, on the other hand, you're worried about a particular topic or your workload in general, keep in mind that support is always available. Use the last few weeks of the school year to discuss your topics with your professors. Seek their guidance on how to develop your studies over the summer. A little extra reading or daily activities in a topic will make a big difference. And occasionally a little extra advice and trust from a mentor or an IB Preparation Course is just what you need to get through the first year of the IB with flying colors.

 

10. Be enthusiastic about beginning the IB!

Last but not least, have fun! The IB is fantastic. It is a way to genuinely improve your intelligence, talents, and expertise, not just a means to a genius end (remember how much universities all over the world enjoy the IB?). Put your all into the software, and you'll be good in no time!