First of all, CONGRATULATIONS on graduating! It’s no small feat to reach the end of the IB programme and you have all accomplished so much. On top of studying six subjects, you’ve written an Extended Essay, a TOK essay, completed all your IAs, and spent time contributing to your community through CAS all while living through a global pandemic. You should be so proud of yourselves! Now that you have finished the Diploma Programme, here are the top 5 things you should think about next.Â
1. Rest and recover!
Make sure that you take the time you need to rest and recover during the summer. We all know how intense IB is! It’s so important to recover from the stress of coursework and exams before you begin the next part of your life. Whether you’re going to university, starting a job, or taking a gap year, you want to be well-rested so that you can make the most of these new opportunities. Watch the TV shows you didn’t have time for during exam season, get outside to enjoy the summer weather, or pick up a new hobby!
2. Retakes?
If you aren’t satisfied with your results, it is worth considering if you would like to do retakes. Normally offered in the November exam session if you are in the Northern Hemisphere and in the May exam session if you are in the Southern Hemisphere, retakes allow you to spend more time focusing on a smaller number of subjects that you would like to improve in. They are a great opportunity to boost your overall grade and are especially useful if you have a university offer that has specified a grade for a specific subject. Preparing for retakes can often feel daunting so if you are looking for extra support in preparing for retakes, our amazing team of tutors can definitely help!
3. Become a tutor with Lanterna!
If you scored highly overall and are keen to help future IB students reach their potential, tutoring with Lanterna may be for you! Tutors need to have scored a 7 in the subjects that they teach and have the ability to communicate concepts in simple, friendly, and effective ways. Most importantly, they need to be passionate about their subjects. Tutoring can be an amazing way to earn money after graduation while also developing important transferable skills and building up your CV. If this sounds like something you would enjoy, please apply online here!
4. Refer a friend
If you have found the services offered by Lanterna useful throughout your IB experience, consider sending them the link to this blog, our free resources, or our YouTube channel! For anyone you know who may be interested in online tuition, we have a great referrals scheme. By spreading the word about Lanterna after graduation, you will help us help even more IB students!
5. Prepare for your next adventure!
Leaving home after high school can be as overwhelming as it is exciting. The good news is that your experiences throughout the IB will have prepared you well for whatever you are doing next! The study skills, time management skills, and most importantly the tenacity you have gained from finishing the IB will help you adjust to – and thrive – in new environments.
If you find yourself worrying about what’s next, here are a few places to look for extra information: if you are starting at university, a good place to start looking is the students’ union website and social media. Most of the time they release packing lists, behind-the-scenes accommodation videos, and subject-specific insights. These can be a really helpful way to get a student’s insight into the next few years of your life! If you are moving to a new city – such as London – it can be helpful to look for blogs written by others new to the area. There are loads written for most large cities and they can give you more personal insights into areas that are new to you.Â