Mocks 2018 : Yay Or Nay??

IB exams are right around the corner for all seniors. The majority of students take full IB at AISG, and students who are not taking the full IB, typically are taking IB courses which means that they will have to take final IB exams as well. Currently, all seniors are taking mock exams. Mocks are tests prior to the IB final exams that simulate what finals will feel like as well as look like. Although mocks are completed in one week, and IB final exams are stretched out over the period of 3 weeks, mocks require intense studying and focus as for most classes they are considered the semester exam for students, and will go to their GPA. Most of the seniors I have spoken to have emphasized the importance of mock exams. Is this in fact true?

Mock exams have been spread over this week for the seniors. Students taking them will have two exams for one subject on the same day. As mentioned above, for students taking IB, this will stimulate what the actual IB exams will look like and get them prepared. A senior (who didn’t want to be named) mentioned that he feels “mocks are beneficial in order to allow students to experience the way they will take their final exams in May. It also allows students to start preparations for their finals as well motivate them to work ahead of schedule. This could possibly decrease the stress that students go through as final exams come closer.” As someone who is taking IB, the mocks this year are very important for him as he understands they can make or break his final IB exam results. Many students who are taking full IB, as well as applying to Canada and Europe, are relying immensely on the success of their IB exams. As all offers when applying to Canada and Europe are conditional, it is important to do well, as you don’t have a secured spot.

When speaking to Elly, a senior at AISG, she also feels as though mocks are a good preparation for the two IB courses she is taking. Although she is only taking two IB courses, by having mocks she is able to understand some of what may be on the final exam, as well as understand the whole process of the exams. Being in a room with all of your classmates and taking an exam that determines what university you will be attending as well as your success over a two year period of time can be extremely stressful.

With the above being said, it is in fact true that most seniors believe mocks are necessary. As a junior listening to the responses collected through interviews, I myself understand why mocks would be helpful, as it is a way that you can practice and understand your flaws prior to taking the IB exams. Between mocks and IB exams, the seniors will have a month to review all content studied in their last two years of high school, and go meet with teachers to get additional help if needed. For underclassmen who are not taking mock exams, make sure that you are supportive and respectful in the hallways. The seniors are nearing one of the most important moments in their lives, and do need utter concentration!