What I Wish I Knew Before Starting the IB Diploma
Starting the IB Diploma Programme is a big leap. Whether you're coming from MYP or another system, the transition can be intense. With hindsight, there’s so much I (and many other IB grads) wish we had known at the beginning. If you're starting your IB journey, this guide—packed with firsthand insights and expert resources from RevisionDojo—will help you hit the ground running.
1. Time Management Can Make or Break You
The most common regret among IB students? Poor time management. With IAs, EE, TOK, and constant tests, it’s easy to fall behind.
We recommend reading Time Management in IB: 9 Proven Tools and Techniques That Actually Work, which offers tactical tips from actual IB grads.
2. Your Study Plan Needs to Be Realistic, Not Aspirational
Don’t plan 8-hour revision days—you won’t stick to them. Instead, set achievable daily goals. One of the best resources is What’s a Realistic IB Study Plan for a 6 in Each Subject?, which breaks your revision down week-by-week.
3. Smart Revision Beats Endless Highlighting
Simply re-reading notes isn’t enough. Use active recall, spaced repetition, and past paper practice. Check out How to Use Past Papers Effectively in the IB – Subject-by-Subject Strategy for techniques that lead to measurable progress.
4. Burnout Is Common—But Totally Preventable
Many students push themselves too hard and crash halfway through. Avoid Burnout in Year 2 of IB: 8 Proven Strategies for Student Success shares practical habits and recovery tips from real students.
5. Your Mindset Matters Just as Much as Your Notes
IB is a mental game. You’ll need grit, adaptability, and a growth mindset. A helpful read is The No-Nonsense Guide to Scoring a Perfect 45 in the IB (From Someone Who Did) that discusses mindset strategies in detail.
6. You Don’t Need to Be Perfect—You Need to Be Consistent
Trying to perfect every TOK presentation or IA draft will lead to overwhelm. Consistency > Perfection. How to Study Efficiently for IB Without Getting Distracted gives you a blueprint for daily focus.
7. Your Extended Essay Should Not Be an Afterthought
Start early. Pick a topic you're genuinely interested in. How to Choose an Extended Essay Topic That Won’t Drive You Crazy helps you avoid common EE mistakes before you make them.
8. Flashcards and Notes Are Powerful—If Used Properly
Don’t just create flashcards—use them with purpose. Effective Study Techniques for IB English A: Language and Literature offers excellent advice on summarization and retrieval.
9. Daily Planning Reduces Overwhelm
Using planners and trackers helps more than you might think. The Ultimate Daily IB Study Schedule shows how a few daily routines can simplify even the most chaotic IB weeks.
10. You’re Not Alone—Use Community Support
Many students try to “do it all” alone. But the IB journey is easier with peer support. RevisionDojo’s community features let you share goals, ask questions, and study collaboratively.
Conclusion: You’re More Prepared Than You Think
You don’t need to be a genius to succeed in IB—you need systems, strategies, and support. With the right guidance (like what RevisionDojo offers), you can turn overwhelm into clarity and stress into strategy.
💡 Visit RevisionDojo.com to access a powerful set of tools—IB-specific planners, question banks, productivity tips, community discussions, and expert guides—designed to help you succeed before the pressure starts.
