General IB Discussion
General discussion about IB that are not subject specific.
4,136 topics in this forum
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Are the mock exams always an exam of the previous years final exam? So mocks for '10 graduates would have '09 final exams?
Last reply by Peachez, -
- 9 replies
- 1.5k views
I've been reading through some of the forum posts & am a bit worried that the program is really only for A students. Also, I've never seen so many complaints by students themselves about taking a school leaving course. Is it really that bad/difficult? My son is an average student with the capability to improve but he's by no means a genius and will never be a straight A student. He's interested in uni courses in economics & social sciences. He has good social skills and a strong sense of justice. He has many strengths outside the purely academic. Although the IB program looks interesting, I'm concerned that they put too much pressure on students. Time to reflect f…
Last reply by greenglass, -
- 3 replies
- 1k views
So I was wondering when the exam schedule for 2011 will be published. I am so curious to see what sort of grouping it will be. Basically hoping that i will have some time off in between exams.
Last reply by r a i n b o w stardust, -
- 9 replies
- 2.7k views
I had a real dilemma earlier deciding between HL maths and HL history. I have decided to do maths HL for next year after my grades improved from high 5-low 6 in the beginning of the year to high 6-7 in the end of the year. (I was really amazed: I went from being almost the bottom of the class in mid year exam to the top of the class in the end of year exam) However, after the results came out yesterday for last year's year 12s I'm starting to have serious doubts. A friend of mine, who is considerably better than maths than I am, got a 6 in maths. (she ended up getting a 44 though. =)) Anyway, I just want to do a brief survey here: Did anyone here (or anyone you know) get …
Last reply by lexie, -
- 2 replies
- 585 views
Hi guys, im kinda new to the forum( and IB..i guess) just wondering if choosing a spare block in the IB-year would hurt my chance of being accepted in University. im taking psychology SL, Math Method HL, English HL, Physic/Chem HL, French SL, and TOK. (I spared Biology). if it would hurt..what should i do? if it woudnt hurt..why would people not choose spare blocks.Thank You.
Last reply by __inthemaking, -
- 4 replies
- 5.5k views
Hello I've been told by people that if I do not pass the end of year 12 exams then I am unable to continue the IB or the courses and that if I fail IB final exams I have to repeat the year and cannot resit a test. I would just like to be clarified about the situation please as I am very stressed about this.
Last reply by masochist, -
Getting 6/7
by Amber- 6 replies
- 2.6k views
What percent kids in a class usually get 7's 6's 5's 4's 3's...
Last reply by Charizard, -
- 11 replies
- 4k views
One of our teachers recommended this study guide called 'The IB Survival Handbook' for us - ibsurvivalhandbook.com. I looked at the free sample on the webiste which looks pretty good but still debating whether or not to buy it. Has anyone used this or heard about it? They seem to have a recommendation from an IB examiner which is pretty cool. Is this book related to this website? Not sure how they are different from OSC I think its more general advice not subjects not sure tho. Any help greatly appreciated! M
Last reply by Maria_m, -
- 4 replies
- 5.6k views
Hellloo! So I have a friend doing A-levels and he's been telling me how he can get something like 3% extra marks for "trauma" (a relative recently died) and another couple because he is suffering from stress... yer, something like that. Basically, apparently you can claim extra marks for things like stress ( ), if your neighbor was writing too loudly while you were taking the test, etc - it all seems completely ridiculous, but they exist. (Again, apparently) So I was wondering, could we get these for our IB exams? I'm guessing not, but I figured I might as well ask anyway haha
Last reply by Asheee, -
- 6 replies
- 2.1k views
Hello everyone! Currently I have been taking four HLs, although now I think I've taken on too much, especially because I am doing a music diploma on top of IB. I originally took four because I couldn't decide which one to take a HL. So which do you guys find easier? A HL language B or Hl English A1? Which do you think is easier to score a 7 on? Thanks
Last reply by Sandwich, -
- 4 replies
- 911 views
Grades, IB diploma and a special person can be hard to balance. How does one do it?
Last reply by SushiMonstar, -
- 1 reply
- 1.5k views
Hey guys, I have final german exams this May and physics, chemistry, english and maths finals this November. Does anyone here who has been through IB have any tips on revising in the final year of this course? I would really like to start as early as possible, so any tips about starting to revise RIGHT NOW would be much appreciated. Thanks
Last reply by Sonneteer_Trombonist, -
- 12 replies
- 2k views
Well I had just started my journey in IB today, and it didn't turn out too well in the morning. I have 0 period (starts at 6:45) Calc SL, so I wanted to leave early, especially with the L.A. traffic (I live 15-20 mins away from school). My mom thought it was all right to clean the kitchen and make rice (lol) at 6:20, so of course I was late. Great first impression to the 2008 Teacher of the Year, eh? Anyways, besides that, I expected a lot of work assigned on the first day, and of course, I was right. But all of my classes, with the exception of English 3IB (Language A1 for me), were all AP/HL/SL, meaning there were AP, HL, and SL kids all in the same class. I have no id…
Last reply by Austin Glau, -
FML
by buccaneer247- 8 replies
- 1.4k views
Everyone's heard of FML online. This thread is merely a way for IBers to post there own nerdy versions, instead of doing one of the five summer assignments they have this summer. FML!
Last reply by Austin Glau, -
- 3 replies
- 934 views
hi guys im a student about to take the ib adimission test can someone plz enlighten me on the content of the admission test, our orientation officer was very vague and only said that there will be math, reading cmp, and critical thinking. can someone plz go into more detail as to the difficulty of the math and reading cmp and just how the examination was. also your insight as to how ib is, the workload and what to expect from the teachers. Thank you
Last reply by llamajuice, -
- 3 replies
- 931 views
Hi, so I'm facing a bit of a dilemma here. I'm planning to study architecture in uni (first priority right now) but perhaps civil engineering instead (lower priority) and I'm wondering if chem HL would do any good for it. I know most unis in the UK require physics HL for civil engineering (which we don't have in our school) and I've heard that chem HL is also advisory. So would it be useful to take a 4th HL or do you think the unis don't care since I don't have physics anyway? Until now chem SL has proven quite easy for me but do you think I'd better get an easy 7 with SL or try harder to look smart? Thanks.
Last reply by Bishup, -
- 2 replies
- 2.2k views
Yeah, as the topic says... does the amount vary by subject? If so, could anyone provide an estimate of the number sent for the science and the language subjects? (based on a class of 30) Thanks a lot.
Last reply by Ruan Chun Xian, -
- 3 replies
- 1.1k views
Hey, I'm about to give in most of my IAs and I wanted to know if it is okay to print these double sided or wheether examiners prefer single side printing ...? Thanks for your answers
Last reply by __inthemaking, -
- 9 replies
- 6.5k views
Hi, I'm a trainee-teacher considering doing an IB to familiarize himself with the system but also because I would like to train myself up in another subject (history) and think an IB might be a good place to start (for those that think this is crazy: I also need a Spanish qualification altho i speak it, could do the Chinese ab-initio, wouldn't mind doing Economics as that goes hand in hand with History and don't mind doing some Standard-level studying in some other subjects). My question is this: could I do an IB diploma over 3/4 years (I've got to work!!) and pick and choose which modules I start with? Would I, for example, be able to finish the relevant Spanish and His…
Last reply by David Russell, -
- 36 replies
- 7.4k views
It is the the final Countdown to the November 2009 IB Results. This is a thread for which we can discuss our results once they come out. 13.00 GMT Time on the 6th Of Jan they come out online. Everyone is confused when the IB co-coordinators are getting the results? How many days before us do they get them?
Last reply by Henza, -
IB Webcomic 1 2 3
by mreos- 48 replies
- 6.3k views
Well over the last couple of days I have been making some (comedic) webcomics based on the IB diploma program. Some opinions might be nice, feel free to chuck me some criticism or whatever (just starting out). http://impossiblebs.com Let me know what you think, favorites, disliked ones etc. EDIT: updated link
Last reply by mreos, -
- 9 replies
- 1.4k views
Hey people, not entirely sure where this should be posted and I'm sorry if it's in the wrong category. I've just started my first year of the DP and my school is pretty new to the program. The grade above doesn't seem to be fairing well and I'm not too confident in the teachers, so I'm facing concerns of whether I should transfer or what, which is freaking me out. So I just want to know about the program in your countries/schools/area and what you think of them. (I'm currently in Jamaica and considering transferring to a program in Florida. )
Last reply by slizzie, -
- 4 replies
- 1.1k views
In preparation for the May 2010 exams, I was wondering as to whether any of you who have already obtained your IB diplomas (or have sat IB exams already for that matter) have any tips/ advice for studying for these exams. As I am beginning to study for them now, and find that there is so very much to cover (especially in regards to Biology), and that my regular study pattern/ 'format', for lack of a better term, seems inadequate to cope with it all. Thank you, Pathos
Last reply by Pathos, -
- 5 replies
- 1.1k views
Hey everyone I'm currently a 10th Grader already in an IB school. (Yes I still have my personal project to work on!) Anyways, to get to the point my course choices are going to be due in two weeks but I'm still not sure about what courses should I take yet! My initial choice are: HL: Physics, Chemistry, Math SL: English A1, Thai A2, (Either Business and Management or Environmental Systems and Societies) Now the problem I have for either BNM and ESS is that I'm an OK math student but I want to pursue engineering career, the counsellor suggest I choose BNM because if I fail to do Math HL I can do BNM on HL instead since I don't want to do my languages at HL. Now, I think …
Last reply by Mahuta ♥, -
- 8 replies
- 2.5k views
Hey Everyone!! So I logged onto the IB Candidate Results page, and it told me that I'll get my results on the 6th of January at 13:15 GMT 2010. However, my school says we are getting them on the 4th? I'm more inclined to believe the IB website over my school, but please let me know Thanks!
Last reply by Asheee, -
- 11 replies
- 31.5k views
I had a friend tell my worrying self that if I apply to a university and I am not awarded a diploma due to getting a 1 in maths (but get 5 certificates for the others exceeding 24 points) then they shouldn't worry too much and let me in. This would be great because I'm having my exams at the moment and I look set to get a 1 in maths because of bad internal marks and general incompetence with maths. The university I am looking at, for IB requirements it states 24 points. I don't want to contact them now and ask about letting someone in who failed the diploma just in case I get a negative answer in the middle of my exams, so I want to ask here first for people's experiences…
Last reply by biochem, -
- 1 reply
- 1.1k views
Hey everyone, I have been wondering about the difference between the study and the revision guides because I want to get guides for some of my classes (Chemistry HL, History SL, Geography SL) and don't know whether to take the study or the revision guide. Which one would you recommend? What are the advantages or disadvantages? Thank you for your help!
Last reply by master135, -
- 4 replies
- 2.2k views
Hello everyone! I'm currently a student in first year IB (in grade 11 with 2 years of pre-IB), taking both economics and chemistry (required & chosen for us). For next year, we have a choice of taking either HL Economics or HL Chemistry. If I choose HL Economics, then I have take SL Chemistry. However, if I take HL Chemistry, I can no longer continue with any economics course. Even though economics is generally an easier course therefore a higher chance of achieving a 7, I chose chemistry because to get accepted into areas of science in universities, chemistry is required. Even if you're looking into business or economies in universities, there is no prerequisite of…
Last reply by greaterthaninfinity, -
So, my history teacher recommended us at the beginning of the year to use Questia, an online research library. It's actually really good and not that expensive ($20 dollars a month), and you have access to all kinds of research for categories like literature, politics, government, health, technology, history, etc. It's actually pretty good. Currently I'm using it for English (luckily, each one of my books that I'm reading has it's own section, with all kinds of different commentaries and "Student Companions") and History. I'm thinking of using it for my IA because there isn't any place in Bahrain which has research books in English. Does anyone here use it?
Last reply by laryxle, -
- 7 replies
- 1.3k views
I have been doing grade 10 IB after coming out of a Montessori school last year and it's been great. One of my friends has constantly been saying that we're not doing the 'real IB' and that 'prep IB' is something that our school made up to make more money out of us. (Incidentally, he's not going to study in the IB diploma program.) The IBO website has information on an 'IB MYP' program, but I don't believe we're doing that curriculum. It differs from class to class, but it appears that half of the time we're doing the QSA curriculum (the local curriculum) and half of the time doing the IB diploma curriculum. What's going on here? Another thing that confused my is SL/HL in…
Last reply by Austin Glau, -
Title says it all. I'm still debating over it. I mean, I don't like any of them. However, I'm not positive as to which I hate the most.
Last reply by Berns099, -
hey i was just wondering where everyone went or is going to schoolies (after school celebrations) ? cause i'm thinking about Bali, and want to know if anyone else has gone to bali for schoolies.
Last reply by Ruan Chun Xian, -
- 5 replies
- 8.4k views
Hi everybody! I've heard from many others that it's very helpful to practice the IB exam by working with a lot of the past papers. I live in the States and so, I've heard because I live in the States, there aren't a lot of IB resources here yet. I was wondering for all of you, where do you get your IB past papers from? Is there any website that has these? Did you have to purchase them? Much thanks! Good luck to everyone!
Last reply by aya91, -
- 2 replies
- 815 views
how many hours for SL or HL subjects
Last reply by TidusBlade, -
- 3 replies
- 976 views
I am an IB Grade 12 Senior and am in the process of registering for the seven IB exams that I have to take this Spring. It is going to cost upwards of $500 and a month of stress and no sleep. I know that without the IB Exams, a diploma is not possible but this is okay with me since I only took IB courses for the knowledge rather than college credit. However, I heard that if you do not take an IB exam, you cannot pass the IB course you are in, and thus will not be able to graduate high school? Is this true? Can IBO really force students to take the exam??
Last reply by Emkay, -
- 30 replies
- 4.5k views
For everyone who's weighing the pros and cons of taking IB..I just wanted to say that this morning a woman from my district school board called me to inform me that I graduated high school with the highest average in the region this year (99.17%). I was shocked (still am)..and I really have to say that without IB, I really couldn't have won the top scholar award. To calculate my average, they took my highest grade 12 marks, which were: 100% - biology 99% - chemistry 99% - integrated science 99% - economics 99% - calculus 99% - algebra & vectors Now reporters from local newspapers are calling me left and right asking for interviews and the "secret" to my success, ha. A…
Last reply by Summer Glau, -
- 11 replies
- 6.4k views
I will likely be starting the IB next year in September for the Diploma Program. I've been reading up a little bit on IB, but I don't really understand how it is structured. How many classes in total will I be taking in the 2 years? How is it divided up? How do the Extended Essay, TOK, and CAS fit in? Are they classes as well or extracurricular? Can anybody describe a typical day for a typical IB student? Like what time do you go to class, how long is the class, how many classes each day, and any related activities?? Also, can anybody PLEASE provide an example of somebody's entire 2-year curriculum including all the classes taking and anything else? I can't seem to find i…
Last reply by skillet, -
- 14 replies
- 2k views
What is the single best piece of advice you have being given/or can give, about the IB or life in general? For me it was pick subjects you enjoy, and are passionate about.
Last reply by risingsun500, -
- 3 replies
- 2k views
I have been forced to do IB certificate by the School, even though i wished to do Diploma and its in 2nd year. And they are forcing me to drop a subject out of the six. They also say that i am allowed to do neither ToK or EE. And i have finished my ToK essay already. So my question is even if i wish to to Tok and EE, why can i not do it? If i wish to do them can points be added to my grades like in diploma, if i achieve full? Another question arises that if i get good grades (6s and 7s), that i am sure i will, will there still be limitations in getting into Universities? And after registration, will i be allowed to change it to Diploma afterwards (in January)? I am asking…
Last reply by Solaris, -
- 2 replies
- 818 views
Hi, right now I am writing my Geography IA and I need to use the Chicago Manual of Style for the referencing. All kinds of media types as articles with or without author are explained - but how do I cite a pdf file? This is the internet address of the file I am using: http://www.ihk-wiesbaden.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Geschaeftsfelder/ZentraleDienste/Branchenschluessel.pdf so do I just cite it like a website with that address even though there is a pdf at the end? And then I just add something like accessed on date? Thanks for your help :] Viola
Last reply by decemberflower, -
- 27 replies
- 4.4k views
Hey guys, so I was talking on msn with a couple of my friends as usual and I noticed that one after the other sends me the following message: "brb, going for a cig". Now most of my friends havent been smoking pre-IB and when i asked them why they started they tell me it calms them down and is just a general break from work. I´m not saying IB makes smokers or anything but I noticed that alot of people tend to rely on something to make it through IB, whether it be cigarettes or coffee. Even when you read through the forum here, alot of advices say that coffee is the way to go. Another thing I noticed is people gaining weight during IB years, might sound awkward but I always…
Last reply by aya91, -
- 2 replies
- 1.5k views
To what extend do predicted grades matter if I am taking a gap year? [And, is it true that examiners are knowing your predicted grade and tend to give marks under the influence of your predicted grade?]
Last reply by Cognac, -
- 1 reply
- 509 views
I just started IB a week ago, and i have to have a final idea by mid november (in a month). I want to pursue psychology in university, so i thought it would be a good idea to write my EE within that subject. My mom is a 'kids doctor' and specializes in ADD/ADHD in children AND is part of school health. i have teachers in primary school willing to lend me their ADHD students for a few hours a week (they were practically crying with joy when i asked to watch their hyper active pupils) as often as i like for observation (with parent's consent of course). but i need an edge to my research. my mom suggest sleeping patterns, sugar levels, amount of time spent watching TV/on the…
Last reply by cyrenazbib, -
- 14 replies
- 2.5k views
If during any of this post, I come across as immature and confused, its because I am. Sorry, please bear with me. I'll get directly to the point here. 1) Someone said that a few universities dont give credit for Business and Management, is this true? 2) Can someone tell me the recommended calc for IB? Some fx7900 slim I think it was called. Also, how much does it cost? 3) The whole IB format of IAs and Labs, I DO NOT understand, but its only my third day tomorrow. Is this normal? Can someone explain this to me please??? 4) I want to do civil engineering/architecture, I've taken Physics, Chemi, Math at HL, B&M, English, Language 2 at SL. Can I still do architecture if …
Last reply by Sandwich, -
- 7 replies
- 1.1k views
Soooo I think I'm going to go to the Mid-IB Summer program over in Boston this summer, are any of you going? anyone have any insights into it? Recommend it or not? Is it helpful? I'm just trying to see if it's worth it or not to go, and maybe meet some people who are planning to go as well
Last reply by The Economist, -
I'm currently in IB1 and I'm really considering doing my Math Studies SL exams in May 2010 instead of November 2010 to give me more time to focus on other subjects. Is this possible? Is it to late to do so? (I've heard IB likes to know things heaps in advanced). Would anyone recommend doing this?
Last reply by greaterthaninfinity, -
Hello my fellow soon to be IB students. I've setup this topic just to see and find out what subjects you guys are doing next year. If I get to know some of you guys and your subjects than we will be able to help each other out steadily for the up and coming two years. I'll start, I'm doing : HL Biology, Chemistry, Maths SL French A1, Japanese Ab initio, History
Last reply by Summer Glau, -
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- 5 replies
- 594 views
There's quite a lot of hysteria going on about swine flu and the possibility of its spread around schools in here. As a result, students just can't seem to go back to school! The Ministry of Education keeps pushing back the date we go back to school. Public school students were meant to be back on the 20th after Eid break, but they've pushed it back to October 4th, just like us (if that seems bad, kindergardens & special ed schools are pushed back to Nov 1!) . In all fairness to our much-loved ministry, about 60% of private schools who opened before public schools (private schools didn't care about Ramadan, heat, and swine flu - they made us go back at Sep 6--and oh--…
Last reply by Asheee, -
- 12 replies
- 813 views
If I could redo the IB, I would just pretend I had read 'Crime and Punishment' instead of enduring the insanity. And you?
Last reply by DeStijl, -
- 9 replies
- 1.4k views
For all you IB students who know what the true remedy to stress really is Best stress relief. Best enjoyment condition. Best of the best.
Last reply by Shorty,
