How to Get the Best Start in the IB Diploma: Key Tips for Teens & Parents

The IB Diploma Programme is an exciting chapter that brings greater independence, huge personal growth and high academic expectations. Whether students are moving from the MYP, IGCSEs, or another curriculum, developing good organisational habits, choosing subjects carefully, and maintaining a healthy routine from the outset can make the transition much smoother.

To help the whole family prepare for the upcoming marathon of the DP, we spoke with experienced IB educators from leading international schools in Switzerland, along with TutorsPlus Education Advisor, Sandra Steiger. Their practical advice combines decades of experience helping students build confidence, stay organised, and develop the skills needed for a successful start to the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

Quick IB Diploma Preparation Checklist

Before exploring the detailed advice below, here are some of the most important priorities for students beginning their first DP year.

• Choose subjects that match your strengths, interests, and university goals.
• Deeply understand the requirements of the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and CAS.
• Create a realistic weekly study schedule early on for regular topic revision.
• Develop strong organisation and time management habits early.
• Keep communication open with teachers, parents, and classmates.
• Balance study with sleep, exercise, hobbies, and social activities.
• Start planning Internal Assessments well before deadlines.

These simple steps create a solid foundation before the demands of coursework and exams increase.

How to Understand the IB Programme

The IB Diploma differs from previous school years by combining six academic subjects with the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity, Activity and Service. Together, these core components help students develop independent thinking, research, and reflection.

Although the workload increases, experienced IB coordinators encourage students and parents to approach the Diploma with confidence rather than anxiety.

Joseph Amato, now retired, was IBDP Coordinator at Zurich International School for two decades from 2000 to 2020. Throughout his career, he consistently reminded students that success comes from preparation and organisation rather than natural ability alone.

“You don’t need to be a genius to be successful at the Diploma. You need to be organised and have chosen the right classes.”

He also encouraged students to think carefully about the future before selecting subjects by weighing their interests, target countries, and long-term ambitions before finalising their course list. 

Ann Lautrette, Deputy Head Teacher at Taipei European School and former IBDP Coordinator at Inter Community School Zurich, believes students should begin the Diploma with a positive mindset instead of focusing on stories about how difficult it may be.

“Students need to experience the Diploma for themselves, and a negative or fearful mindset can hinder their ability to enjoy the next two years.”

She also highlights the importance of recognising that every student’s journey is different.

“Parents can help by guiding their child to refocus on themselves and their particular educational journey, as opposed to comparing themselves to others.”

Dr Zoe Badcock, AP and IBDP Coordinator at the International School of Zug and Luzern, encourages students to look beyond grades during the opening weeks.

“The workload is a little less intense at the beginning and I think there’s an opportunity to dream a little bit, to explore and be critical about what you want to get out of the next two years.”

Understanding these expectations before classes begin helps reduce uncertainty and gives students a clearer picture of what lies ahead.

Tips for Students

Students can prepare for the transition by taking a few simple steps.

• Read your school’s IB handbook before the academic year begins.
• Learn how the six subjects, EE, TOK, and CAS work together.
• Understand how assessment differs from previous programmes.
• Think about your university interests and career goals early.
• Develop realistic expectations for the first semester.

Starting with this knowledge makes it easier to settle into new routines once lessons begin.

Tips for Parents

Parents don’t need to become IB experts, but understanding the programme allows them to provide meaningful support.

• Attend information evenings organised by the school.
• Read the school’s IB guide or parent handbook.
• Support organisation by noting key dates in a family calendar
• Help your teenager build confidence during the transition.
• Remind them that adjusting takes time.

A calm and supportive environment at home helps students adapt more successfully to the demands of the DP.

How to Choose Subjects Strategically

Choosing subjects wisely is foundational to maintaining motivation and confidence throughout the IB Diploma. The best combination should reflect a student’s strengths, interests, university goals, and a manageable workload, rather than being influenced by friends or perceived prestige.

Ann Lautrette states that enjoyment plays a significant role in long term motivation.

“It’s far more likely that students will enjoy and succeed in the Diploma if they’ve chosen options that they’re happy with, that they’re interested in and passionate about.”

She also urges students to raise concerns early if they feel a subject isn’t the right fit. 

“If students find they’re not enjoying a subject, it’s better to talk with the DP Coordinator earlier rather than later.”

Sandra Steiger, Education Advisor at TutorsPlus, regularly sees how thoughtful subject selection benefits students throughout the two year programme.

“Students who’ve chosen their subjects carefully are able to keep motivated and stay applied, even when it gets challenging.”

She notes that this becomes especially valuable when students begin longer independent projects such as the Extended Essay and Internal Assessments.

Tips for Students

Making informed choices now can prevent unnecessary stress later.

• Match subjects with your strengths and interests.
• Check university entrance requirements before finalising choices.
• Consider how Higher Level (roughly 240 teaching hours) and Standard Level (roughly 150 teaching hours) subjects balance across your six choices. 
• Speak with teachers and your DP coordinator if you’re unsure about any course.

Choosing strategically helps students stay motivated rather than simply aiming for the highest perceived level of difficulty. 

Tips for Parents

Parents can provide valuable perspective while allowing students to make informed decisions.

• Discuss long term university and career aspirations.
• Help compare subject combinations realistically.
• Encourage honest conversations about strengths and challenges.
• Support decisions based on interests rather than peer pressure.
• Speak with the school’s DP Coordinator if further guidance is needed.

Strong subject choices lay the groundwork for steady motivation, improved wellbeing, and stronger academic performance across the two-year programme. 

How to Plan and Manage Your Time

Managing time effectively is one of the biggest challenges in the IB Diploma. While the workload may seem manageable at first, students soon need to balance lessons, revision, Internal Assessments, the Extended Essay, CAS, university applications, and extracurricular activities, making strong planning and structured habits essential for staying on track and reducing stress. 

Joseph Amato explains that the transition from earlier school years often catches students by surprise.

“Overall the biggest challenge I would say is going from the ninth and tenth grade curriculum and having to ratchet it up two or three degrees to cope with the six courses, the Extended Essay, and doing CAS.”

He adds that although schools prepare students for this step, some underestimate how much independent planning is required.

Ann Lautrette believes organisation is one of the most important skills students develop during the Diploma.

“They don’t anticipate how organised they will need to be, and how structured in their time they’ll need to be.”

She explains that many students initially feel confident because the workload appears manageable. However, this changes as assignments accumulate.

“They often start the programme feeling like, ‘Oh, this is okay.’ Then there’s quite a steep increase, and they find themselves wondering, ‘How can I manage this?’

Another challenge comes during the first semester of Year 2. Dr Zoe Badcock says this period consistently surprises students and parents alike.

“There’s a convergence of deadlines and expectations. There’s the pressure of university applications while simultaneously completing Internal Assessments, and feeling like they need to show that they’re performing in tests to get good predicted grades.”

Understanding that this demanding period is normal helps students prepare rather than panic when it arrives.

Tips for Students

A consistent routine is easier to maintain than trying to catch up after falling behind.

• Create a weekly timetable before lessons become busy.
• Schedule dedicated study sessions for each subject.
• Include time for CAS, homework, revision, and breaks.
• Review deadlines every week rather than waiting until the last minute.
• Break large assignments into smaller, achievable tasks.
• Use digital calendars or planning apps if they suit your learning style.

A realistic weekly plan might set aside roughly two hours per subject for homework and revision, three to four hours for CAS and Extended Essay work, and clearly protected time for rest rather than leaving these to whatever time is left over.

Good planning allows students to spread course demands across the term instead of facing several stressful weeks at once.

Tips for Parents

Parents can support organisation without taking responsibility away from their teenager.

• Encourage regular study routines rather than last minute revision.
• Help identify periods when several deadlines may overlap.
• Mark important school dates on the family calendar.
• Encourage healthy discussions about workload before stress builds.
• Suggest planning tools while allowing students to manage their own schedules.

Providing gentle guidance helps students become more independent while knowing support is always available.

How to Start EEs and IAs Early

The Extended Essay and Internal Assessments are major parts of the IB Diploma, requiring careful planning, independent research, and thoughtful writing. Since the Extended Essay is around 4,000 words and most Internal Assessments contribute about 20 to 25% of a subject’s final grade, starting early can help students produce stronger work and avoid unnecessary stress.

Many students delay getting started because the deadlines seem far away. Unfortunately, this often leads to unnecessary pressure when several major tasks coincide.

Sandra Steiger regularly sees this pattern at TutorsPlus.

“We are often inundated with requests for assistance for revision at critical points in the year, or for help getting started on essays with deadlines just around the corner.”

She encourages students to follow the timelines provided by their schools.

“The best advice we can give is for students to take their DP Coordinator’s advice on timelines and schedules seriously. This avoids very stressful moments for parents, students, teachers and tutors alike.”

Choosing topics that genuinely interest students also makes these projects easier to sustain over many months. 

Sandra explains that this is particularly important for independent research.

“Our tutors say this is especially true with the Extended Essay and Internal Assessments where it’s so important to have a personal interest in the topic to inspire independent research and motivate the writing process.”

Students should seek advice throughout the research process. While assessed work must remain their own, discussing ideas with teachers, parents, classmates, or tutors can help refine their thinking and overcome challenges early.

Tips for Students

Starting early gives you far greater flexibility throughout the programme.

• Choose research topics that truly interest you.
• Begin reading and gathering sources well before deadlines.
• Create a simple project timeline with smaller milestones.
• Draft sections gradually instead of writing everything at once.
• Meet supervisors regularly to discuss progress.
• Ask for feedback whenever you’re unsure how to move forward.

Steady progress is almost always more effective than intensive last minute work.

Tips for Parents

Parents can encourage good planning without becoming directly involved in assessed work.

• Help create realistic project timelines.
• Highlight on the calendar where deadlines cluster and prepare ahead.
• Encourage your teenager to begin research early.
• Provide a quiet study environment when major deadlines approach.
• Check that progress is happening without taking over the work.
• Celebrate milestones to help maintain motivation.

Supporting independence while remaining available for encouragement allows students to develop valuable research and project management skills.

How to Use Resources and Build Strong Study Habits

Successful IB students build consistent study habits instead of relying on last minute revision. Regular study sessions help strengthen understanding, reduce stress, and make exam preparation more manageable.

Reviewing topics each week and making use of school resources, including teachers, subject guides, study groups, revision materials, and past papers, can reinforce learning and build confidence throughout the programme.

Sandra Steiger reminds families that preparation begins well before examination season.

“The summer break can be a great time to review and prepare ahead of the IB Diploma journey, whether ensuring solid foundations for IB1 or closing gaps ahead of IB2.”

Developing good habits early gives students greater confidence throughout both years of the programme.

Tips for Students

Consistent study habits become easier to maintain over time.

• Review class notes every week.
• Create concise revision notes as each topic is completed.
• Practise with past examination papers where appropriate.
• Use active learning techniques such as self testing and teaching concepts aloud.
• Join study groups that stay focused and productive.
• Ask teachers for clarification whenever a topic feels confusing.

Studying regularly helps reduce pressure before assessments while improving long term understanding.

Tips for Parents

Parents can create an environment that encourages productive learning.

• Provide access to reliable study materials and resources.
• Encourage focused study sessions without unnecessary distractions.
• Help establish consistent routines throughout the school year.
• Praise effort, organisation, and perseverance as well as grades.
• Encourage breaks to maintain concentration and wellbeing.

Building strong study habits early gives students a valuable foundation that supports both academic success and personal growth. 

How to Balance Academics with Well-being

The IB Diploma is demanding, so maintaining good physical and mental wellbeing is essential for long term success. Getting enough sleep, staying active, and making time for hobbies and friends can improve concentration, reduce stress, and help students sustain a healthy balance throughout the programme.

Joseph Amato explains that, “There isn’t a one size fits all formula.”

He notes that many students benefit from sports and extracurricular activities as important outlets during the Diploma. At the same time, he advises families to recognise when commitments become overwhelming, particularly during the second year of the programme.

“If I see someone who seems to be overextended, I would talk to the family and advise them, especially in year two, to think about curtailing a little bit.”

Sandra Steiger shares a similar view, encouraging students to pace themselves rather than sprint from day one. 

“We’ve always said that the IB Diploma is a marathon, not a sprint.”

She adds that students should keep looking after themselves, even during busy periods. 

“Towards the end, they need to be prepared to focus their remaining time and energy on the task at hand, while still eating well, and being active and social as this is well known to combat stress.”

Finding the right balance helps students perform well academically while protecting their health across both years. 

Tips for Students

Looking after yourself should be part of your study plan rather than something you do only when you have spare time.

• Aim for consistent sleep each night.
• Schedule time for exercise every week.
• Continue hobbies that help you relax and activities that bring you joy.
• Take regular breaks during long study sessions.
• Avoid comparing your workload with other students.
• Speak to teachers if stress begins affecting your wellbeing.

Small habits maintained consistently often have a greater impact than occasional bursts of intensive study.

Tips for Parents

Parents play an important role in helping students maintain perspective throughout the Diploma.

• Encourage and model healthy routines at home.
• Watch for signs of exhaustion or burnout.
• Help your teenager maintain realistic expectations.
• Support the activities that you know brings your child joy.
• Remind your child that asking for help demonstrates maturity and self awareness, not weakness.

A supportive home environment gives students a firmer footing as pressure builds across the two years. 

How to Communicate and Reflect

The IB Diploma encourages students to become independent learners, but independence doesn’t mean working alone. Successful students regularly ask questions, seek feedback, and reflect on their progress throughout the programme.

Ann Lautrette believes communication is one of the greatest strengths of the Diploma.

“The DP is a collaborative endeavour, where they are immersed in a network of people who are very willing to support them and who they can learn from.”

She urges students to make full use of that support network. 

“We encourage students to be very open, to discuss their learning with their parents, to be open minded about discussion with staff within the school, but also with their peers.”

She adds that sharing ideas helps students avoid feeling isolated during challenging periods.

“Talking to one another avoids ending up feeling that you’re in a vacuum, that you’re working through things on your own.”

Reflection is another valuable habit. Regularly reviewing progress allows students to identify what is working well and where they may need to adjust their approach before problems become larger.

Parents can support this process by having regular conversations about learning rather than focusing only on grades. Celebrating progress, discussing challenges openly, and encouraging problem solving all help students develop confidence and resilience.

Tips for Students

Open communication often leads to quicker solutions and greater confidence.

• Ask teachers for clarification whenever needed.
• Meet supervisors regularly during major projects.
• Share ideas with classmates through productive study groups.
• Reflect on your progress every few weeks.
• Adjust your study methods if something isn’t working.
• Celebrate small achievements along the way.

Reflecting regularly helps students keep improving all year, rather than waiting until exam season. 

Tips for Parents

Supportive conversations can have a lasting impact on a student’s confidence.

• Ask about learning rather than only grades.
• Encourage honest conversations about challenges.
• Celebrate effort and personal improvement.
• Help your teenager identify practical solutions to problems.
• Encourage independence while remaining available for support.

When students feel comfortable discussing both successes and setbacks, they are better equipped to navigate the demands of the IB Diploma.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should subjects be chosen strategically?

Students should choose subjects based on their interests, academic strengths, university requirements, and future career goals. A balanced combination that reflects both ability and enthusiasm is usually the most sustainable over two years.

How can students manage time effectively in the IB?

Creating a weekly study schedule, reviewing deadlines regularly, and breaking larger tasks into smaller milestones helps students stay organised. Starting work early is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress.

How can students build strong study habits?

Regular revision, active learning techniques, past paper practice, and consistent note taking all contribute to stronger understanding. Studying throughout the year is generally more effective than relying on intensive revision before exams.

How do students balance academics with well being?

Students should maintain healthy sleep habits, exercise regularly, continue enjoyable hobbies, and schedule breaks alongside study sessions. Looking after physical and mental health supports better academic performance over the long term.

How should CAS be approached?

CAS should be viewed as an opportunity for personal growth rather than another task to complete. Choosing meaningful activities that reflect genuine interests makes the experience more rewarding and easier to sustain throughout the Diploma.

What are common mistakes to avoid in the IB?

Some of the most common mistakes include leaving coursework until the last minute, choosing subjects for the wrong reasons, avoiding conversations with teachers, comparing yourself with others, and neglecting wellbeing during busy periods.

How can motivation and mindset be maintained?

Setting realistic goals, celebrating steady progress, maintaining healthy routines, and remembering long term ambitions all help students stay motivated. Support from teachers, parents, classmates, and mentors also plays an important role throughout the Diploma.

What IB Diploma terms do parents need to know?

Parents should become familiar with key components such as Higher Level and Standard Level subjects, the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, Creativity Activity Service, Internal Assessments, predicted grades, and final examinations. Understanding these terms makes it easier to support students throughout the programme.

Final Thoughts

The IB Diploma helps students develop the skills and confidence needed for university and beyond. Choosing subjects carefully, staying organised, maintaining a healthy balance, and making steady progress all contribute to success. With support from parents, teachers, and experienced IB tutors when needed, students can approach the programme prepared and self-assured.

By Sandra Steiger – Academic Support Manager at TutorsPlus 

Sandra Steiger has over ten years’ experience teaching English at various schools in Switzerland. She now works as Academic Support Manager at TutorsPlus. During her six years at the International School of Geneva, she was also the Service Learning programme Coordinator, International Award Supervisor, a Homeroom Mentor and Head of Year 8.