The IB is demanding because it asks for depth, independence, and reflection all at once. This hub breaks the programme into its parts and shares the strategies that consistently separate strong candidates from overwhelmed ones.
Beyond your six subjects, the Diploma Programme core and internal assessments shape your final score. Treat them as opportunities, not obstacles.
A 4,000-word independent research paper in a subject of your choice. Worth up to 3 points alongside TOK.
A course exploring how we know what we know, assessed through an essay and an exhibition.
Experiential learning outside academics, reflected on across the two years.
Subject-specific coursework graded by your teacher and moderated by the IB.
You take six subjects — usually three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level. Choose HL in the subjects tied to your university plans and where you can sustain genuine interest.
Typically around 150 teaching hours per subject. You take 3-4 subjects at SL, covering core content with less depth and breadth than HL.
Typically around 240 teaching hours per subject. You take 3-4 subjects at HL, with extra topics, greater depth, and more demanding assessment.
A quick orientation to common IB subjects and what each demands. Pair these with the matching subject in our Learn section for resources.
Algebra-heavy and proof-oriented. Best for future STEM, engineering, and economics students.
Modelling and real-world data. Suited to social sciences, design, and applied fields.
Strong overlap with Math AA. Emphasizes problem-solving, the IA experiment, and Paper 3.
Balances calculation and conceptual understanding. The IA rewards a well-controlled investigation.
Content-heavy; reward comes from understanding systems and command terms precisely.
Develops analysis of texts and contexts, assessed via orals, essays, and Paper 1 & 2.
IB marks are tied to command terms like 'evaluate', 'analyse', and 'state'. Knowing exactly what each demands is often the difference between a 5 and a 7.
Practice with official past papers under timed conditions, then mark against the official markschemes to learn how points are awarded.
IAs, the EE, and TOK assessments cluster together. Map every internal deadline at the start of each year and work backwards.
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