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Essential IB Mock Exam Checklist 2026

Master DP2 with this essential IB checklist! Covers IA status, week-by-week mock exam prep, past paper scheduling, and key TOK/EE milestones for students and parents.

Kacper Makarewicz
January 16, 20266 min read
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The Essential IB DP2 Mock Exam Checklist

Alright, let's talk about DP2 mock exams. This isn't just another test; it's the single best opportunity you have to practice for the finals, identify your weak spots, and get a realistic sense of your predicted grades. But here’s the catch: mocks happen right when your IAs, EE, and TOK deadlines are closing in. It’s a perfect storm of stress.

Think of this guide as your game plan. We’re going to help you get organized, prioritize what actually matters, and walk into those exams feeling prepared, not panicked. Let's break it down.

This guide will help you:
  • Get a clear picture of all your pending coursework so nothing gets missed.
  • Build a smart, four-week revision plan that focuses on effective study, not just long hours.
  • Learn how to use past papers like a pro to maximize your scores.
  • Manage your deadlines and your wellbeing to avoid the classic DP2 burnout.

Part 1: The Coursework Audit – Tame the Beast

Before you even think about revision, you need to know exactly where you stand with the components that contribute directly to your final IB score. Let's map out your IAs, EE, and TOK essay status. Be honest with your progress.

ComponentStatus (Not started / Researching / Drafting / Finalizing)Your School's DeadlinePersonal "Done" Date
Extended Essay (EE)   
TOK Essay   
Math IA   
Science IA   
Humanities IA   
Language A HL Essay/Written Task   
Other IA/Coursework   
The Lanterna Tip: Your mock revision will be 10x more effective if you're not mentally stressed about a half-finished IA. If you have more than two items still in the "Drafting" stage, make it your absolute priority to get them to "Finalizing" before starting intense mock prep. Clear the decks first!

Core Component Checklists

Your IAs (20-30% of your grade)

  • Have you read the specific assessment criteria for each subject?
  • Is your topic focused enough to be covered in depth?
  • Have you scheduled time to get feedback from your teacher on your draft?

Your EE (up to 3 bonus points with TOK)

  • Is your research question sharp, focused, and analytical?
  • Are you using credible, academic sources?
  • Have you had your three mandatory reflection sessions with your supervisor?

Your TOK Essay (1200 - 1600 words)

  • Have you chosen one of the six prescribed titles?
  • Is your essay focused on exploring knowledge questions, not just subject content?
  • Are you using strong examples from different Areas of Knowledge?

Part 2: The 4-Week Mock Exam Battle Plan

Don’t just "study". You need a structured approach. Here’s a simple framework to guide your revision in the month leading up to mocks.

Week 1: Syllabus Audit & Weak Spot ID

Focus: Go through the syllabus for each subject with a traffic light system. Mark topics as Green (confident), Yellow (a bit rusty), and Red (completely forgotten). Be brutal and honest.

Goal: To have a clear list of "Red" and "Yellow" topics for each subject. This is your revision hit list. No practice questions yet, just pure content review for your weakest areas.

Week 2: Active Recall Methods & Targeted Practice

Focus: Time to actively test your knowledge. Instead of re-reading notes, use active recall methods like flashcards, blurting (writing down everything you know on a topic), or teaching a concept to a family member. Start doing past paper questions *by topic* for your "Red" areas.

Goal: To turn your "Red" topics into "Yellow" ones by actively retrieving information instead of passively reading it.

Week 3: Full Paper Simulation

Focus: This is where you build stamina. Do at least one full past paper per subject under strict exam conditions: timed, no phone, no notes, no music. This is non-negotiable.

Goal: To master your time management for each paper and get used to the mental pressure of a full exam. Speed and accuracy are the focus here.

Week 4: Mark Scheme Analysis & Refine

Focus: Stop doing new papers. Your time is now best spent reviewing the papers you did last week. Go through the mark scheme line by line. Where did you lose marks? Was it a knowledge gap, a misunderstanding of the command term, or a poor exam technique?

Goal: To understand *why* you lost marks so you don’t make the same mistakes again. One paper reviewed well is worth more than three papers done and forgotten.

Part 3: The Past Paper Accountability Grid

Quality over quantity. Use this grid to track your practice and ensure you're learning from every paper you do. This makes your revision targeted and effective.

Subject & PaperDate CompletedScore / GradeKey Takeaway (e.g., "Ran out of time on Section B")Top 3 Topics to Re-review
e.g., Physics P2Feb 568% (L6)Misread the 'explain' command term.1. Gravitational Fields 2. Doppler Effect 3. Capacitors
     
     
     

Part 4: Your Sanity Check - Wellbeing & Deadlines

You can't pour from an empty cup. DP2 is a marathon, and burnout can be real. Mocks are a sprint within that marathon, so you need to be strategic about your energy.

Typical May Session IB Deadlines

Disclaimer: These are general IB deadlines for schools. Your school's internal deadlines will be earlier! ALWAYS confirm every date with your IB Coordinator.

  • IAs Final Submission (to teachers): Usually late February.
  • EE Final Submission (to school): Usually February to early March.
  • TOK Essay Final Submission (to school): Usually February to early March.
  • Final IB Upload Deadline (for schools): Around March 15th for core components.

The Non-Negotiables for Peak Performance

  1. Protect Your Sleep: Sacrificing sleep for study is the worst trade you can make. Aim for 7-8 hours. It's when your brain consolidates what you've learned.
  2. Move Your Body: Even a 20-minute walk outside can reset your focus and reduce stress hormones. Don't let exercise be the first thing you drop when you get busy.
  3. Fuel Your Brain: Hydration and stable blood sugar are critical for concentration. Keep a water bottle on your desk and avoid too sugary snacks that lead to energy crashes.
Mocks are a diagnostic tool, not a final judgment. Use them to learn, adapt, and build a powerful strategy for your final exams in May. You've got this!

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