Tips for NEW IB STUDENTS | IB study advice and mindset

Summary

In this video, Ivy Lilia shares practical advice for new IB students, debunking common myths about the program. She encourages students to focus on developing effective learning strategies, avoid cramming, and be aware of the increasing demands in their second year. Ivy emphasizes the importance of knowing what is expected for exams, maintaining motivation beyond grades, and practicing fast essay writing. With a calm and organized approach, Ivy assures students that IB is structured to help them grow academically, making it a rewarding experience if they stay focused and manage their time well.

Takeaways

• 😀 IB can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s not as difficult as many make it out to be. Don’t believe all the horror stories.
• 😀 Focus on learning how to learn. Develop strategies like note-taking and organization that work best for you to internalize information.
• 😀 Avoid cramming for tests. Consistent learning and understanding throughout the course is key for success in IB exams.
• 😀 The second year of IB is more demanding than the first. Be ready to devote more time and effort as you move forward.
• 😀 Take advantage of your first year to get ahead on tasks like your extended essay or CAS requirements to ease the workload in your second year.
• 😀 Know what’s expected of you for each exam. Understand the content and format of your assessments early on to study effectively.
• 😀 Don’t just focus on getting a high score. Reflect on how much you’re growing as a student and how you’re improving your study and critical thinking skills.
• 😀 Practice writing quickly and under time constraints. This is essential for successfully completing essays and exams in IB.
• 😀 Stay organized and calm. The IB curriculum is designed to gradually prepare you for the challenges ahead, so don’t stress about the workload.
• 😀 Remember that the IB program is structured to help you become a better, more capable student. Keep a positive mindset, stay focused, and you’ll succeed.

Q & A

What is the general perception of the IB program according to the script?

The IB program is often perceived as overwhelming and difficult, mainly due to the numerous horror stories shared by past or current students. However, the script encourages not to believe everything you hear and highlights that the program is manageable if approached with the right mindset and strategies.

What is the first piece of advice the speaker gives to new IB students?

The first piece of advice is to take time to learn how to learn. Since IB is demanding, it’s important to focus on discovering what learning strategies work best for you, whether it's note-taking, organizing study materials, or using specific memorization techniques.

Why is cramming considered a poor strategy in IB?

Cramming is seen as ineffective because it doesn’t allow you to truly internalize the information. The script mentions that when students cram, they struggle to retain important concepts in the long term. Instead, consistent study throughout the course helps you retain the material and perform better during exams.

What key difference between the first and second year of IB does the speaker highlight?

The speaker emphasizes that the second year of IB is much more demanding than the first year. This is because certain assessments are concentrated in the second year, so students need to be well-prepared and have developed strong time management skills in their first year.

What should students aim to accomplish during their first year of IB?

Students should focus on building strong time management skills and aim to complete as many IB requirements as possible in their first year, such as the Extended Essay (EE) and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) requirements, so that they have more free time in their second year.

How does the speaker suggest preparing for exams in IB?

The speaker suggests that students should familiarize themselves with what is expected on the exams (like Paper 1, Paper 2, or Paper 3 for specific subjects). This helps students focus their study on relevant content and avoid wasting time memorizing unnecessary facts.

What does the speaker advise students to focus on beyond just grades?

The speaker advises students to focus on their growth as learners rather than just aiming for high scores. By valuing the skills and knowledge you gain, such as studying techniques and critical thinking, you’ll have a more fulfilling IB experience and be less frustrated by the pressures of the program.

Why is it important to practice writing essays quickly in IB?

Practicing writing essays under time constraints helps students develop both the speed and organization needed to write a coherent, well-structured essay within the allotted time. This skill is crucial for IB exams where essays need to be written quickly and clearly.

How does the IB curriculum support students' growth throughout the program?

The IB curriculum is designed to prepare students gradually. The first year focuses on skill-building, while the second year involves applying these skills in a more demanding academic environment. The structured nature of the program helps students grow without feeling overwhelmed by increased difficulty.

What is the final piece of advice the speaker gives to new IB students?

The final advice is to stay calm and organized. Stress and feeling overwhelmed can hinder your success. By maintaining organization and a clear mindset, students can excel in the IB program and handle the challenges effectively.