If you are reading this article, you have probably already enrolled in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma program or are seriously considering enrolling. If you need some useful tips to understand if this program is the one that best suits your needs, you've come to the right place. This article will help you cope with and survive a challenging (but certainly rewarding!) Study program.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Deciding If It's the Right Study Program
Step 1. If you have not yet decided to enroll in the International Baccalaureate program, do your homework and try to find all possible information on the experience you are about to face
Talk to the tutors and teachers about the subjects you plan to study. You must be absolutely certain that you want to take this path. Should any kind of problem arise, speak to your IB coordinator, he will be able to advise you for the best.
Part 2 of 5: Organize Your Ideas
Step 1. Be organized
This is something that cannot be stressed enough. You will have to deal with 6 or 7 university-level study subjects, so differentiate, organize and write notes appropriately for each course, so that you can easily access the content of the subjects during the exam period.
Step 2. Make the most of the lessons in your courses
Ask questions, write your notes in an orderly manner, and review as soon as possible anything you did not understand.
Part 3 of 5: Dedicate and Commit
Step 1. Choose the subjects you are most passionate about
These are subjects that you will have to study intensively for two years, you will have to write essays, read texts, carry out research and complete many exercises on these subjects. Trust me, it is not worth choosing the course for the International Baccalaureate in Business Management if you prefer theater studies instead. You are more likely to be admitted to college with a 5 or 6 in Theater Arts than a 2 or 3 in Business Administration.
Step 2. Identify the program objectives for each subject
Since it is necessary to standardize the curriculum in different languages and cultures, the only thing that will be evaluated will be your knowledge of the specific fundamentals of each subject. For example, there is little point in learning the names of all amino acids in biology if you just need to be able to illustrate the general structure of DNA (unless you are into biology, in which case you will be at an advantage).
Step 3. Learn the specific terminology used in each subject
Not knowing the specific vocabulary of the subject could make you lose points during the exam.
Step 4. Do all your homework and exercises
Homework makes a big difference in your final IB grade, and if you're not diligent and well-organized, you may feel overwhelmed by the amount of work. This is especially true if you are taking an HL (higher level) science or math course.
Step 5. Start writing your final essay as soon as possible
Structure it correctly and accurately, and write it down as soon as possible. The sooner you do it, the sooner you finish it.
Step 6. TOK
Otherwise known as the Theory of Knowledge. Concentrate on setting all the principles of this matter well. It is easy to learn the basics if you work hard. If your teacher isn't willing to teach you, learn on your own. There are many books written specifically for the International Baccalaureate, get them as soon as possible.
Step 7. Keep up with the "CAS" program (Creativity, Action, Service)
You will need to finish 50 business hours for each of these branches over a two-year period. Try to get your school to organize activities that help you reach the required number of hours, such as a photography class, weekend activities, or teaching younger students. If you do not find activities that are valid for the program, gardening at school could count for all three branches. Any kind of help you can provide to the school, keep track of the hours you have devoted to it and deliver the forms received on time. It is advisable to finish these activities as soon as possible, as you will need all the energy available to focus on your final exams.
Part 4 of 5: Survival Techniques
Step 1. Try to stay calm
If you really work hard, you won't fail, and you can finally enroll in college. Try not to freak out.
Step 2. Remember, there is more to life than the International BSc - the lack of human contact due to IB can lead to social isolation and depression
Relax and cultivate your social life, for the sake of your sanity. Find a good forum on the internet and talk to other students enrolled in the IB program, but try not to be left behind with your schoolwork.
Step 3. Give yourself a break from time to time
Relax in the way you prefer and dedicate all the time necessary, the important thing is not to waste all the time available.
Step 4. Avoid slamming for an extended period
IB can be a difficult program at times, but try to deal with it in the best way. There is no point in wasting years of your life slacker when you could do your best to achieve what, after all, is an admirable qualification.
Step 5. Don't procrastinate
IB students are known to be the kings and queens of procrastination. Indulge yourself occasionally, but not so often that you have to stay in the small hours to write your final essay.
Step 6. Study the IB program with friends, or make friends with the IB program students
To survive the IB, you will need at least 3 friends to complete the course with. You will not survive alone, so it is preferable to have a tutor who teaches you how to successfully implement the program. As you begin this program, forget about regular school class friends, as they will overshadow your expectations of success. Your IB friends will be the only psychological support for your success. Go out with this particular group of friends and study with them often so you can support each other. You will also need to seek all possible help and, if necessary, clarify all your doubts.
Part 5 of 5: Exams
Step 1. Review and review
These exams Not they are definitely a walk in the park. IB is difficult for many students (even geniuses like us), so be prepared! And when - not "if", but "when" - you pass your exams, smile and be thankful it's all over. Try to help first year students.
Step 2. Obtain a facsimile of past and present exam questions
The questions in your textbook or those proposed in class may be much simpler than the exam questions.
Advice
- The International Baccalaureate is probably the best study program for pre-university preparation, as it offers study material for post-secondary education. Learn to love stress. The IB represents the perfect opportunity to create a better future, but excessively relaxing will result in fragmented and superficial training. Commit now, relax later.
- Sleep and nutrition. A minimum of 6 hours of sleep is required to follow the IB. Plan your homework and study hours in advance and don't do it later than 11pm. You will also need a minimum of 3 meals a day to survive the amount of information you will have to process.
Warnings
- Procrastination can result in the above, so try hard.
- If at some point the stress becomes unmanageable, drop out of the IB course or even change schools. This is an admirable program, but no school activity is worth running out of.
- IB can lead to apathy and health problems due to inadequate nutrition and / or sleep deprivation.
