The Most Common IB Mistakes – And How to Avoid Them

A practical guide based on real insights from Frontier's tutors.

The IB Diploma is tough—but sometimes students make it tougher on themselves by falling into avoidable traps. Whether it’s poor time management or misunderstanding exam expectations, we’ve seen these patterns time and time again.

At Frontier Tuition, our tutors have worked with hundreds of IB students across Australia. Here’s a breakdown of the most common IB mistakes we see, and how you can avoid them to stay on track and aim for top results.

1. Starting IAs Too Late

Internal Assessments (IAs) can sneak up fast, especially when you’re juggling six subjects. Many students wait until the deadline is looming—leading to rushed research, sloppy writing, and missed marks.

🕐 Avoid it: Start your IAs early—ideally within the first month of being assigned. Break the work into smaller chunks and set personal deadlines before the school’s due date.

2. Misunderstanding Command Terms

Terms like "explain," "evaluate," and "compare" aren’t interchangeable in IB exams. Misinterpreting these can cost you serious marks, especially in subjects like Psychology, History, and Economics.

🧠 Avoid it: Make a list of command terms and their meanings for each subject. Practice recognising and responding to them properly in past paper questions.

3. Ignoring the Marking Criteria

Students often write what they think the examiner wants instead of what the marking rubric actually asks for. This happens a lot in Extended Essays, TOK, and English essays.

✅ Avoid it: Download and read the rubric. Every major assignment in the IB has clear criteria—use it as a checklist when writing your drafts.

4. Leaving TOK and EE Until Too Late

These two core components often get left behind while students focus on subject exams. But they’re worth up to 3 points—and neglecting them can cost you your diploma.

📚 Avoid it: Schedule regular time each week to chip away at your Extended Essay and TOK. Don’t treat them like side projects—they’re just as important.

5. Cramming Instead of Reviewing

Many students rely on last-minute cramming, especially before Paper 2s and Paper 3s. But IB exams are designed to test deep understanding, not memorisation.

🔁 Avoid it: Use spaced repetition and active recall techniques throughout the year. Flashcards, past papers, and teaching others are all excellent review methods.

7. Not Asking for Help Early Enough

Too many students wait until they're falling behind to seek help. This leads to stress and a much steeper climb to catch up.

🎯 Avoid it: Ask questions early and often. Whether it's your teacher, a classmate, or one of our expert tutors at Frontier Tuition, getting support early can make all the difference.

Final Thoughts

Every IB student makes mistakes—but smart students learn from them. By avoiding these common traps, you can stay focused, reduce stress, and position yourself for success.

Need expert guidance through your IB journey?👉 Contact Frontier Tuition and connect with a tutor who knows exactly how to help you succeed.