Introduction
IB exams aren’t won by who studies the most in one week — they’re won by who survives the entire exam period consistently.
Each exam week brings different challenges:
- Early nerves
- Mid-period fatigue
- Late-stage burnout
This guide explains how to approach IB exams week by week, without panic or exhaustion.
The Core Principle of Exam Survival
Every exam week has the same goal:
Protect energy while maintaining accuracy.
If energy drops too fast, performance follows.
Early Exam Weeks: Control the Nerves
Early weeks are often affected by:
- Anxiety
- Overthinking
- Adrenaline spikes
What to focus on:
- Calm routines
- Exam technique
- Confidence in preparation
Avoid changing routines just because exams have started.
Middle Exam Weeks: Manage Fatigue
Mid-period exams are the most dangerous.
This is where students:
- Start feeling tired
- Make careless mistakes
- Lose motivation
What to focus on:
- Simpler answers
- Better pacing
- Sleep and recovery
This is about endurance, not intensity.
Later Exam Weeks: Finish Strong
Later weeks test:
- Mental resilience
- Focus under fatigue
- Emotional control
What to focus on:
- Process, not feelings
- Structure over detail
- Consistency over perfection
Feeling tired does not mean performing badly.
The Biggest Survival Mistake
The biggest mistake is treating every week the same.
Each stage requires:
- Different effort levels
- Different mental strategies
- Different revision intensity
Survival depends on adaptation.
What High-Scoring Students Do Differently
Strong students:
- Finish heavy revision early
- Adjust effort as exams progress
- Expect fatigue
- Trust their preparation
They pace themselves.
Using the RevisionDojo Study Planner
The RevisionDojo Study Planner helps students:
- Anticipate high-fatigue periods
- Adjust revision intensity
- Avoid burnout
- Stay consistent from start to finish
Plan for the full exam journey here:
https://www.revisiondojo.com/study-planner
RevisionDojo Call to Action
IB exams are a marathon — survival leads to success.
Use the RevisionDojo Study Planner to:
- Pace yourself
- Protect energy
- Finish strong
Start planning here:
https://www.revisiondojo.com/study-planner
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it normal to feel worse as exams go on?
Yes. Fatigue builds, but good planning limits its impact.
Should revision intensity increase each week?
No. Intensity should decrease as exams progress.
Can strong preparation really offset fatigue?
Yes. Early preparation protects performance late.
What matters most in the final exam weeks?
Consistency, clarity, and calm execution.
