The IB Diploma Program is a challenging pursuit that will pay off in the long-term. (Photo by Molly Moore)

Incoming IB Diploma Candidates, welcome to the next 20 months of your life. The pursuit of an IB Diploma is simultaneously ruthless yet rewarding and exhausting yet stimulating, and it will pay dividends in the long run. 

As a candidate in my second year of the program, I’m starting to see a sliver of light at the end of this tunnel, so I thought I’d offer advice to those beginning to envision their next two years. 

The following is my advice on how to succeed in the IB Diploma Program. 

1. As I just mentioned, this program is 20 months, not eternity (even though it often feels like it). On your first day of school, the timer on the program began, and each day you are making progress. So remind yourself that this struggle is temporary. 
2. Sleep will become a precious commodity, prioritize it. It is easy to stay up late because you put off an assignment, etc., but you will pay for it both the next day and in the long run. Be disciplined and get enough sleep every night. If you don’t, you will get sick more often, have trouble concentrating, and feel crappier than necessary—none of which are productive for persevering through the program. 
3. Your To-Do list will overwhelm you if you let it. The best way to cope with the copious workload that builds throughout the program is to tackle work when it’s assigned. Don’t procrastinate homework, projects, or studying for tests. The best way to feel in-control of your To-Do list is to check items off. 
4. I just told you to get your work done, but I know it’s not that easy. There will be days where you hit that wall, so don’t beat yourself when that happens—it’s normal. Divide your work into manageable sections and incentivise yourself to keep going. Congratulate yourself for each task you complete with a sweet treat or by taking a walk, FaceTiming a friend, hanging out with a pet, or whatever else makes you happy. 
5. As a larger incentive to help you persist through a tough week, schedule events with friends and family on weekends. Whether it’s a movie night, day trip, etc., make time to hang out with your favorite people. 
6. The Extending Essay (EE)—is a daunting task that doesn’t need to be. First off, you choose to be an IB Diploma Candidate, so limit how much you complain about the EE; it only makes it more difficult. Furthermore, follow the deadlines set by the IB Diploma Coordinator Mr. Singer. Focus on completing each step and it will be manageable. Also, do not put it off until the summer before or fall of senior year when you should be preparing to submit college applications. 
7. Finally, given the variety and authority you had when electing your classes, there must be a class you find interesting, so embrace the moments you feel genuinely intrigued. Spending hours studying for tests or completing projects will be more gratifying when it’s about more than just the grade. 

Trust yourself. You are more than capable of everything that will be asked of you. You got this.