Can you believe this is my last week of high school and in September I will hopefully be in Uni? I'm shaken and taken-aback, this is so surreal.
In you didn't already know from all my complaints in my book reviews about how the IB is hindering my reviewing process, you should by now know I am taking the IB diploma. This is my last week of high school filled with memories of my seven years here. The entire month of April I have, is to revise as it's 'study leave' and my first exam is May 1st.
Without further ado, here are my tips:
- Don't do IB.
- If your only concern is getting into ~good~ unis (which is most people) then seriously consider A-Levels or SAT's (whatever is your countries equivalent) just not IB. This is because they are not as demanding, and the grades are 'easier' to achieve, so you get into ~good~ unis. IB however, has more skills and the acceptance rate for IB students is far higher because it is a challenging diploma.
- Your Higher Levels should be subjects you are GOOD at, or if it a definitive prerequisite for a particular uni or course you're applying for.
- Write your EE (extended essay) over summer. Like seriously.
- Have hobbies to distress and make time to have hobbies OR have your hobbies be part of your CAS, so you don't feel like you're wasting time.
- Write YOUR CAS REFLECTIONS AS YOU GO/AS YOU DO AN ACTIVITY! Do not wait till last minute to write them all!
- Confusing subjects such as TOK/CAS, PLEASE talk to your teachers and take time out to have conversations with them and interact
- Care about sleep...
- Organise YOUR SHIT! Like SERIOUSLY. Organisation can literally be you passing with a GOOD grade and a #IB24
- Plagiarism. The IB do not fucking play around. CITE EVERYTHING! Even it its unconsciously paraphrasing or copying. Even if you did paraphrased. They will know. So cite it.
- Start revision notes as you go for lengthy, content based subjects such as Psychology, History, Geography, Philosophy, Languages, etc
- If you're applying to US universities, write your essays early.
- Don't take all the HE (higher education) advice if it is not applicable to you/depending on your circumstances.
- If you have a shit HE department (or you don't have one at all) go on student room or online IB forums where you can see what others have said, gain advice and discuss your concerns.
- Bioninja, Gradesaver, IBPsych, Sparknotes, etc are all keys to success.
- Have a diary. Write in it. Don't rely on your memory. Please. Thx.
- DO. NOT. Disregard your standard levels subjects when it comes to revision for final exams because you have an unconditional offer, or if you only need specific HL grades. Don't be that person.
- You can't control much in IB. However, what you CAN control, you SHOULD control. So be smart.
- Try and stay happy. Here are my tips on being happy.
- If you're in relationships, here is my specific advice on them, romantic or platonic, its applicable to both.
If you have any concerns or other comments, feel free to comment or contact me here and I will be more than happy to get back to you! Please, if you are worried or have any queries don't be scared to come let me know and I will help you with everything I possibly can.
Good luck to everyone and anyone taking exams this season! Wish me luck everyone!
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