Introduction
The IB Computer Science IA can be the difference between a 6 and a 7. It’s your chance to show practical skills, but many students lose marks because they fall into avoidable traps. The IA isn’t just about writing code — it’s about designing, documenting, testing, and evaluating a solution for a real client. If you miss key requirements, even a working program can score poorly.
This article highlights the most common IA mistakes students make, explains why they cost marks, and shows how RevisionDojo helps you avoid them.
Quick Start Checklist
Here’s a fast overview of what not to do in your IA:
- Don’t invent a fake client.
- Don’t pick an idea that’s too simple or too complex.
- Don’t focus only on coding — documentation is key.
- Don’t ignore the testing and evaluation sections.
- Don’t submit without matching your work against the rubric.
The Biggest IA Mistakes
1. Choosing the Wrong Client
Students often pick a client who isn’t real, isn’t available, or doesn’t provide feedback. Examiners can tell, and it undermines your documentation.
Solution: Choose a reliable client like a teacher, librarian, or small business owner. Document every interaction.
2. Picking a Weak Project Idea
A calculator, to-do list, or basic converter may work but won’t score well because it lacks depth. On the other hand, projects that aim to be “the next Instagram” are impossible to finish.
Solution: Aim for a moderately complex project — something with meaningful data handling, but achievable in scope.
3. Over-Focusing on Coding
Many students spend 90% of their time coding and leave documentation for the last week. The result? Weak design diagrams, rushed evaluations, and missing criteria.
Solution: Treat documentation as equal to coding. Every design decision should be recorded from the start.
4. Weak Testing Section
Students often test only one or two functions, without showing thorough coverage. This loses marks because the rubric requires evidence of rigorous testing.
Solution: Include a test plan with normal, boundary, and abnormal cases. Show evidence of your client interacting with the solution.
5. Neglecting the Evaluation
The evaluation is not a summary of what you built. It’s an honest review of what worked, what didn’t, and how it could improve. Many students just restate features, which earns few marks.
Solution: Use client feedback to discuss strengths and limitations. Propose realistic improvements.
How RevisionDojo Helps You Avoid These Mistakes
RevisionDojo provides IA checklists that map directly to the IB rubric. With step-by-step templates for client interviews, design documentation, and testing plans, you’ll know exactly what examiners are looking for. Instead of scrambling at the end, you’ll have structured evidence ready for submission.
FAQs
Q: Can I still score well if my IA project is simple but well-documented?
Yes, but you’ll be capped if your project lacks complexity. A balance of functionality and sophistication is needed for a 7. RevisionDojo helps you evaluate project complexity early.
Q: How do I know if my testing section is strong enough?
Your testing should cover all main functions, edge cases, and error handling. Including your client in the testing process adds credibility. RevisionDojo’s test plan templates ensure you don’t miss anything.
Q: What happens if my client disappears halfway through the IA?
It happens! If your client is unavailable, document what you can and explain the situation clearly. RevisionDojo guides show how to handle unexpected IA challenges without losing marks.
Conclusion
The IB Computer Science IA is full of pitfalls, but almost all of them are avoidable with the right planning. From choosing a reliable client to documenting thoroughly and testing rigorously, success comes from meeting the rubric requirements, not just coding.
With RevisionDojo’s IA resources, you can sidestep the common mistakes that hold students back and confidently aim for a 7.
