watsonswaltz:

studyhaze:

If you come from a school that does the IB Diploma, you have most definitely heard your seniors complaining, about how the IB is basically death in the form of a pre-university course. Once you start the IB, you quickly realise that boy, were they not kidding. Here are some tips to make the journey a bit more manageable:

1. A Flexible Routine is Ideal. 

Look. If you’re doing the IB, not only will you have to study 6 subjects but on top of that you have countless internal assessments, the EE, CAS, uni applications and general teenager-y stuff to think about. Get into a good studying routine but make sure that it is flexible enough, that when the IB throws a tantrum and a shit storm comes your way (this happens a lot,) you are prepared with an ample amount of time to clean up the mess. 

2. TOK is a pain, but it’s worth it. 

Sitting through a lesson of TOK is very similar to running around in circles. Seemingly pointless but you’re tired at the end of it. Most people cannot concentrate in TOK because unlike other subjects, it asks you to think deeply into why you are learning what you are and why what you are learning is ‘true’ or ‘right.’ How can it be justified as the ‘correct’ thing to learn? Many a times, this causes your brain to hurt, a lot and it is very hard to continue listening. But, TOK is 1 point, one point that could potentially boost your chances of getting into your dream school. Don’t let that point go to waste. 

3. Prepare, Plan, Prosecute. 

The three Ps of IB. You must prepare your day in advance. I find writing a to do list every morning keeps me on track every day (it is also very satisfying to tick off the boxes, once you’ve completed something.) Prepare for battle. Everyday, arm yourself with the equipment that you need and the mentality that you require, to face your day with grace. Plan your day out (as mentioned above, a flexible routine is ideal.) and then prosecute. 

5. Get at least 6 hours of sleep a night. 

My motto for the first 2 terms of IB was “sleep is for the weak,” and I’m sure I wasn’t the only person repeating it under my breath, as I scrambled to finish yet another chemistry lab report. I had no clue that what I was doing was so wrong. Without at least 6 hours of sleep, not only do you feel completely off the next day, but your capacity to concentrate in class is greatly reduced, additionally your brains ability to retain information is also reduced, meaning that you need to spend more effort recalling key facts. 

6. Be Selfish. 

For many of us, the two years of IB define our future. You are allowed to put yourself first for these two years. You are allowed to prioritise staying at home and finishing homework, over attending a friend’s birthday party. You are allowed to stop apologising to people and start looking out for yourself. You are allowed to ask for a bit of mental space to gather your thoughts. You are allowed to fight for your own benefit. You are allowed to be selfish. 

7. Surround Yourself with People that Understand. 

They don’t necessarily have to be doing the IB too, but people who understand and will not judge you when you complain (because you will,) people who will support you throughout and motivate you to continue fighting. You need to surround yourself with people who influence your life in a positive way. 

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