It’s springtime, which means flowers are blooming, the sun is shining and calendars are full of deadlines. Students are especially busy, particularly those testing in IB classes.
IB coordinator Jamie Incorvia reports that there are 392 Cleveland students registered to take 1,175 exams this year. English is the most popular subject to test in, with 260 seniors taking the IB test.
“The next highest is History at 181,” said Incorvia, “which is remarkable since only three years of Social Studies are required for a state diploma!”
IB tests take place in May, however students’ internal assessments happen in winter to early spring. People testing in a language have to take an internal oral assessment to test their quick thinking skills and ability to converse. For students testing in other classes, they are expected to do an internal assessment, an experiment like a social or lab experiment.
Students around the school are trying to balance maintaining good grades, working on their IAs, with the overarching dread of the IB tests looming over them. If you are feeling this way, the good news is that you are not alone. Cleveland offers very rigorous and demanding programs, but thankfully there are many students who have gone through the exact same things as you.
For language IOs, students report the benefits of studying in advance. “Most of my study for that just came from practice, memorizing vocab, doing a bunch of writing and reading,” said Olivia Tynan, senior.
Graduated senior Anna Rogoway shared her strategy for taking IB tests. “I made a study guide for each class that outlined major course themes and exam components, which allowed me to see what content I had to review and what types of practice questions to do.”
For many students, it may feel impossible to study productively while also balancing friendships and extracurricular activities. Study dates are a good solution to this, as studying with friends can be a good way to catch up, while also helping each other with the material.
“Coffee shops are genuinely my savior,” said Tynan. “Ones that are open late are the best to study at.”
Another way to achieve a successful balance is to celebrate academic achievements with friends. Rogoway explained how she would celebrate the completion of each test by getting moberi acai bowls with her friends.
Tests can feel like a mark that defines your worth. While trying your best is important, stressing yourself out too much can be detrimental. “My advice is to not take it too seriously,” said McKenzie Vo, current senior. “Testing anxiety is your biggest enemy.”
