Seniors: Can We Leave?

“You’re almost at the finish line”, they say, “gradation is right around the corner”, they say; but most of us feel like IB is never-ending. IB exams are approaching soon and seniors are feeling overwhelmed with the amount of information they are supposed to retain from this two-year course. The question is: are seniors now studying just to PASS the exams, or to actually do WELL?

Some have lost the motivation they had at the beginning of the school year and it seems as though they have no residual drive to help them with their studying for IB exams. One senior, who chose to remain anonymous, in fact commented “Why do you think we all wear black or grey? Because we’re dead inside”. She then revealed a meltdown that she experienced during her free block earlier this week: “I was writing my CAS experiences and I just randomly started crying, and it is now a normal thing that I do, kind of like a routine”. This is concerning to say the least.

Other seniors such as Amanda C., shared her concerns, “I am quite stressed with having to review everything I learned in 2 years. Hopefully it goes well but I’m quite nervous. I want to do well and finish strong, making those two years of handwork count”. Some seniors, like Amanda C., are aiming to perform well on their IB exams so that these last 2 years that they have invested in the IB program will amount to something good but also for their two years of endless efforts regardless of having already applied to universities.

Perhaps, those who have already been accepted in their ED (early decision) schools might be studying just to pass rather than actually do well, although it is nonetheless a personal choice. Zoe L., for example, stated “I don’t care, if I do well then good, otherwise whatever”, because she is too tired at this stage in the program. Surprisingly, for those that do not take the IB diploma, such as senior Angela L., are actually aiming at doing well instead of just “passing” their exams, for the same reasons that Amanda C. had discussed. Additionally, seniors that have conditional offers from Hong Kong universities, such as Maggie M., need to do well, regardless of their personal motivations as their acceptance is in fact conditional.

It seems that the majority of our senior class is aiming at doing well on their IB exams, regardless of their university acceptances which sounds promising! Hopefully everyone will achieve their goal and be happy with their results, 加油！