IB Exam Tips from Someone Who Scored 43: Your Complete Guide to Success

Scoring 43 points on the International Baccalaureate (IB) exams isn’t just about intelligence—it’s about strategy, discipline, and knowing exactly what works. As someone who achieved this score, I’ve learned that success in the IB program comes from understanding the system and implementing proven study techniques consistently. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share the exact strategies that helped me reach 43 points and show you how to apply them to your own IB journey.

Understanding the IB Scoring System: Why 43 Points Matters

Before diving into exam strategies, it’s important to understand what a score of 43 actually means. The IB diploma program awards a maximum of 45 points—42 from six subjects (each graded 1-7) and up to 3 bonus points from the Extended Essay (EE) and Theory of Knowledge (TOK). Scoring 43 places you in the top tier of IB students globally, with fewer than 10% of candidates achieving 40 points or above.

This score opens doors to prestigious universities worldwide. Top institutions like Harvard, Yale, Oxford, and Cambridge typically look for scores between 38-43, with Ivy League schools expecting most admitted students to score in the 40+ range. A score of 43 demonstrates not just academic excellence, but also the ability to manage complex workloads, think critically, and excel across diverse subjects.

Start Early: The Foundation of IB Success

Begin Preparation at Least 6 Months Before Exams

One of the biggest mistakes IB students make is waiting too long to start serious exam preparation. I began my focused exam preparation six months before my first exam, which allowed me to build a comprehensive understanding of each subject without cramming.

Starting early gives you the luxury of time—time to identify weak areas, time to practice past papers thoroughly, and time to refine your exam technique. Research shows that students who complete 10-15 past papers per subject score significantly higher than those who rely solely on content review.

Create a Realistic Study Schedule

Your study schedule should be specific, achievable, and balanced. I used a color-coded digital calendar to track:

• Daily study blocks for each subject
• Internal Assessment (IA) deadlines
• Extended Essay milestones
• TOK essay drafts
• CAS activities
• Mock exam dates

The key is consistency over intensity. Rather than cramming for 12 hours on weekends, I studied 3-4 focused hours daily during weekdays. This approach prevents burnout and ensures better retention of information.

Master Time Management: Your Secret Weapon

The Pomodoro Technique for Maximum Focus

Time management wasn’t just about creating schedules—it was about maximizing the quality of each study session. I used the Pomodoro Technique religiously:

1. Study for 25 minutes with complete focus (phone off, notifications silenced)
2. Take a 5-minute break
3. After four Pomodoros, take a longer 15-20 minute break

This method transformed my productivity. During those 25-minute intervals, I could achieve more than I previously did in an hour of distracted studying. The breaks kept my mind fresh and prevented the mental fatigue that comes from marathon study sessions.

Time Blocking for Different Subjects

I allocated specific time blocks to different subjects based on their difficulty and my confidence level. Higher Level (HL) subjects received more time than Standard Level (SL) subjects. Mathematics and sciences got my peak concentration hours (mornings for me), while language and humanities subjects were scheduled for afternoons when I was still alert but less mathematically sharp.

Strategic Subject Preparation

Prioritize Your Higher Level Subjects

Your HL subjects carry more weight—both in terms of difficulty and university requirements. I allocated approximately 60% of my study time to my three HL subjects and 40% to my three SL subjects. This distribution reflects both the complexity of HL content and the higher expectations examiners have for these exams.

Within each HL subject, I identified the highest-weighted papers and focused extra attention there. For example, in HL Sciences, Paper 3 is often the most challenging and carries significant marks, so I dedicated extra practice time to mastering those question types.

Don’t Neglect Your Standard Level Subjects

While HL subjects deserve priority, I learned not to underestimate SL subjects. A 7 in an SL subject contributes just as much to your total score as a 7 in an HL subject. I made sure to maintain consistent study time for all six subjects, never allowing SL subjects to become afterthoughts.

Past Papers: Your Most Valuable Resource

Complete At Least 10-15 Past Papers Per Subject

This cannot be overstated: past papers are the single most effective preparation method for IB exams. I completed between 12-18 past papers for each of my subjects under timed, exam-like conditions.

Past papers serve multiple critical functions:

Exam Familiarity: You learn the exact format, question styles, and command terms that appear repeatedly Time Management: You develop realistic pacing strategies for each paper type Pattern Recognition: You begin noticing which topics appear frequently and how questions are typically phrased Weakness Identification: Consistent struggles with certain topics reveal where to focus additional revision Confidence Building: Successfully completing papers under time pressure builds exam-day confidence

Study Mark Schemes Intensively

Completing past papers is only half the equation—studying mark schemes is equally crucial. I spent almost as much time analyzing mark schemes as I did completing papers. Mark schemes reveal:

• Exactly what examiners want to see in answers
• How many points specific details are worth
• The depth of explanation required for different mark allocations
• Key terminology that earns marks
• Common misconceptions and how to avoid them

I created a document for each subject where I compiled “mark scheme insights”—patterns I noticed about what consistently earned full marks versus partial credit.

Active Learning Techniques That Actually Work

Active Recall Over Passive Reading

I completely transformed my study approach by replacing passive reading with active recall. Instead of re-reading notes or textbooks, I tested myself constantly:

• Created flashcards for key concepts, formulas, and definitions
• Covered my notes and attempted to recreate content from memory
• Explained concepts out loud without referring to materials
• Taught topics to study partners or even family members

Active recall strengthens neural pathways and creates lasting memory. Studies consistently show it’s far more effective than passive review methods like highlighting or re-reading.

Spaced Repetition for Long-Term Retention

I implemented spaced repetition using both digital tools (Anki app) and manual systems. The principle is simple: review information at increasing intervals—one day later, three days later, one week later, two weeks later, and so on.

This approach ensured that topics I studied months before exams remained fresh in my memory when exam day arrived. For subjects with heavy content memorization requirements (like Biology or History), spaced repetition was invaluable.

Mind Mapping for Complex Connections

For subjects requiring you to connect multiple concepts (like TOK or Group 3 subjects), I created detailed mind maps. These visual representations helped me see relationships between ideas and understand how different topics interconnected.

I would create one comprehensive mind map per topic, then challenge myself to recreate it from memory days later. This process reinforced both the individual concepts and their relationships.

Subject-Specific Strategies

Sciences: Focus on Application and Analysis

IB science exams increasingly emphasize applying knowledge to novel scenarios rather than simple recall. For my HL Biology and Chemistry exams, I:

• Practiced data analysis questions extensively
• Learned to identify experimental design flaws
• Mastered the art of clear, structured explanations
• Memorized key formulas but focused more on understanding when and how to apply them

Mathematics: Speed and Accuracy Through Practice

Mathematics success required building both speed and accuracy. I:

• Drilled fundamental calculations until they became automatic
• Created a formula sheet and reviewed it weekly
• Practiced showing clear working (essential for earning method marks)
• Timed myself on individual questions to improve pace

Languages: Consistency Is Key

For language subjects, I maintained consistent exposure throughout the two-year program:

• Read newspapers and articles in the target language weekly
• Watched films and TV shows without subtitles
• Practiced writing essays on diverse topics
• Engaged in conversation practice with native speakers or teachers

Humanities: Develop Strong Argument Structures

For essays in humanities subjects, I developed templates for different question types:

• Comparison essays
• “To what extent” questions
• Cause and effect analyses
• Thematic analyses

Having these structures memorized allowed me to organize my thoughts quickly during exams and produce well-structured responses under time pressure.

Maximizing Your Core Component Points

The Extended Essay: Start Early and Choose Wisely

Your Extended Essay (EE) can contribute crucial bonus points toward your total score. I chose my EE topic by the end of Year 1, giving me ample time for research, drafts, and revisions.

Key EE tips:

• Choose a topic you’re genuinely interested in—you’ll spend months with it
• Select a research question that’s narrow enough to answer in 4,000 words
• Schedule regular meetings with your supervisor
• Start drafting early to allow time for multiple revisions
• Understand the assessment criteria thoroughly

Theory of Knowledge: Think Critically About Everything

TOK initially seemed abstract, but I learned to approach it systematically. For the TOK essay:

• Thoroughly analyze the prescribed title before choosing
• Use real-world examples from multiple areas of knowledge
• Develop clear arguments and counterarguments
• Practice writing under timed conditions

For the TOK presentation (now the exhibition), choose objects or concepts that genuinely interest you and demonstrate clear connections to TOK concepts.

Exam Day Strategies

Time Management During the Exam

During the actual exam, I used specific time management strategies:

• Quickly scan the entire paper first to gauge difficulty
• Allocate time per question based on mark value (roughly 1-2 minutes per mark)
• Wear a watch to track time (don’t rely on room clocks)
• If stuck on a question, move on and return later
• Reserve 5-10 minutes at the end for review

Answer What They’re Actually Asking

One of the most common mistakes is not directly answering the question asked. I trained myself to:

• Underline command terms (explain, discuss, evaluate, analyze)
• Understand exactly what each command term requires
• Structure answers to match the command term’s demands
• Address all parts of multi-part questions

Mental and Physical Wellbeing

Prioritize Sleep, Especially Before Exams

I maintained a consistent sleep schedule of 7-8 hours throughout my IB years, and especially during the exam period. Sleep is when your brain consolidates memories and processes information. Sacrificing sleep for extra study time is counterproductive.

Regular Exercise and Breaks

I exercised for 30-45 minutes at least 4-5 times per week. Physical activity reduces stress, improves concentration, and boosts mood. Even short walks between study sessions helped clear my mind and improve subsequent focus.

Manage Stress Effectively

The IB program is demanding, and stress is inevitable. I managed it through:

• Mindfulness and brief meditation sessions
• Maintaining social connections despite study demands
• Keeping perspective—one exam doesn’t define your future
• Seeking help from teachers or counselors when overwhelmed

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Cramming might work for some regular tests, but IB exams cover two years of material across multiple assessment objectives. Students who wait until a month before exams to start serious preparation consistently score lower than those who build knowledge progressively.

Don’t Ignore Internal Assessments

IAs contribute 20-30% of your final subject grade. I treated IAs with the same seriousness as external exams, completing them well before deadlines to allow time for feedback and improvements.

Don’t Study in Isolation

While independent study is important, I formed study groups with classmates for specific purposes:

• Explaining concepts to each other (teaching deepens understanding)
• Sharing different approaches to solving problems
• Motivating each other during challenging periods
• Comparing answers to past paper questions

Final Month Preparation Strategy

Consolidation Over New Learning

In the final month before exams, I focused on consolidating existing knowledge rather than learning new content. This included:

• Reviewing summary notes and flashcards
• Completing final past papers under strict exam conditions
• Identifying and addressing remaining weak areas
• Practicing exam techniques and time management

Mock Exams Are Essential

I treated school mock exams as seriously as final exams. They provided invaluable practice in:

• Managing exam pressure
• Executing time management strategies
• Identifying areas needing final review
• Building confidence through successful performance

The Mindset That Makes the Difference

Adopt a Growth Mindset

I approached challenges with the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. When I struggled with a topic, I viewed it as an opportunity to improve rather than evidence of limitation.

Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

Scoring 43 points doesn’t require perfection. It requires consistent, high-quality performance across subjects. I focused on steady improvement in each area rather than obsessing over achieving perfect 7s in every subject.

Trust Your Preparation

By exam day, you’ve put in months or years of preparation. Trust that work. Second-guessing yourself during exams wastes mental energy. I approached each exam with confidence in my preparation and focused on executing what I’d practiced.

Conclusion: Your Path to IB Success

Achieving 43 points in the IB program required strategic planning, consistent effort, and smart study techniques rather than superhuman intelligence. The strategies I’ve shared—starting early, mastering time management, completing extensive past papers, using active learning techniques, and maintaining physical and mental health—created a comprehensive approach to IB success.

Remember that every student’s journey is unique. Adapt these strategies to fit your learning style, subject combination, and circumstances. The key is finding what works for you and implementing it consistently.

The IB program is challenging, but it’s also an incredible opportunity for growth. The skills you develop—critical thinking, time management, research abilities, and intellectual curiosity—extend far beyond exam scores and will serve you throughout university and your career.

Start implementing these strategies today, stay consistent, and trust the process. Your target IB score is absolutely achievable with the right approach and mindset.