How to prepare for IB Math Higher Level?

IB Math Higher Level (HL) is one of the most challenging classes in the IB Diploma Program curriculum, so it is no surprise if you need extra help to deal with it. IB Math HL syllabus covers a lot of topics. With so much on their plate, students can not afford to fall behind. So, ‘What does it take to get a 7/7 in HL Math’ is the real question. 

Let’s walk you through a 5-step study technique that can get you a ‘7.’

• Students must detect their strengths and weaknesses: Students must start by solving book problems after every section to assess their shortcomings in the given topic. Start with thoroughly reading and understanding every section and later solving the past exam questions on that specific topic. Respect the correct order; book first, then past exams. This will help in solving any doubts right away without getting piled up. 
• Students must be mindful of the time invested in solving one question: Getting the correct answers is not enough to show what it takes to solve past exams’ questions. Students must time themselves and practice every single question until they can answer them in less than a single minute. Students should analyze every problem, count the number of steps taken, and compare it with the number of steps shown in the answers. If the number of steps students have taken is more or less, they require more practice. This will save a lot of time in exams because it forces students to include only the steps necessary to award full credit for the question. Remember, nothing more, nothing less is the rule! 
• Students should learn to control their concentration curve: The concentration curve shows the change in focus concerning time. Scientifically, the concentration curve for students follows the repetitive cycle of increasing from zero, reaching an apex, and then falling back to zero. Students must train themselves in such a way that the gap between the increasing and decreasing portion of the curve increases in the first set of 6-8 mark questions, the plateau at maximum while solving 10-25 mark questions,s and then decreases only when the student starts to review their answer. In this way, all the effort and concentration are dedicated to the questions with the most marks. 
• Students must memorize essential formulas: With standardized test tests like IB, SAT, ACT, GSCE, and many others, the aim should be to solve questions with the least amount of time and effort while collecting maximum marks. Along with memorizing the formulas by reciting them, students must derive them and are using them to solve problems. 
• Students must avoid common study errors: Students should NOT ignore the topics they don’t understand: If they fail to understand a topic, they must seek professional help. Study resources are a great start, but one may need to supplement with tutoring too. Only studying before the IB Math HL papers is not advisable: As we mentioned initially, there is too much syllabus to master in only a few days; there is a reason why the course is spread out for a year! So paying attention from the start and acing the topics while learning them in class is a good practice.

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By precisely following these techniques, students can score a 7. If any help is required with the preparations, feel free to contact us by filling in our Student’s Assistance Form.