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How to Get Through Your Final IB Exams

How to Get Through Your Final IB Exams

3 min read | Lanterna Team | January 27, 2026

Learn how to get through your final IB exams with expert revision tips on time management, priority setting, and managing stress. Finish the IB strong!

Your IB final exams are well underway by this stage, and it’s just the final push before you reach freedom! However, it’s important that you stick with it right to the end. Read on for our expert advice on how to get through the final IB exams.

Running Out of Time?

Exam season goes extremely quickly. Although they’re spread out over a few weeks, time flies. On the one hand, this is great, as the stress won’t last forever. On the other, this might mean that you feel there’s not enough time to prepare for those last exams.

Yet with every passing exam, there’s less and less to do. So, in the final week, try to divide your time evenly between the subjects you have left, and some well-earned relaxation time.

Final Exam Priorities

Your number one priority should, of course, be the next exam. Fill the rest of your time with relaxation, and any prep for exams not on the next day. If you have 4 hours to spare on the evening before a French exam, for example: You could do 2 hours of French, an hour of another (less urgent) subject, and at least an hour of relaxation. This is so important, especially just before bed.

The Lanterna Tip: Cram for your final exams if you want to, but do it efficiently! The evening schedule above could be a good guide. This creates a healthy balance, so you do enough work for the upcoming exam, without tiring yourself out too much before it! You’ll also thank yourself for that extra hour on the other subject, too.

What’s Done is Done!

To get your head in the game for the final exam push, it’s imperative to let bygones (you guessed it) be bygones!

Not all exams go our way. We’ve all had that heavy feeling afterwards of “Oh, well that didn’t quite go to plan” (or perhaps even something a little bit stronger than that).

Remember: If you let it build up over multiple exams, this feeling will distract and exhaust you. From the second your pen is down in the exam hall, there’s nothing more you can do. In that case, then, you may as well just forget about it!

You’re Not Alone.

Of course, this is easier said than done. But just remember, there will be countless other people who have that very same feeling of complete dread and are in exactly the same boat as you. It can be difficult, though, to talk to someone about it.

Here’s where our good friend The Internet comes in. There are countless IB students who also feel as bad about that exam as you do, or perhaps even worse! Reading other people’s thoughts might help to put those tricky exams behind you, and perhaps what someone else needs is to read your thoughts.

Although this can lift some of the dark clouds, don’t forget to get yourself back focused and centred before the very last exams. We all need to know we’re not alone after a particularly tough exam (and believe us, you’re definitely not!).

Last Words Before the Final Exams!

From everyone at Lanterna, a massive well done to all of you in IB2 who are about to complete your final exams! The IB is an extremely tough course. This push over the finish line will be the last thing you do before you can say “IB no more”.

Final Advice: Remember, ultimately, to be kind to yourself, as there’s only so much cramming that you can actually do. Once you do walk out of the exam hall for the final time, take a breath and be proud of yourself. You’ve just completed the IB!

It can also be beneficial to have someone help you out, so if you want some last-minute tutoring. For some exam tips, we recommend that you go for a scroll through our blog posts.

Written by Louis Glen and Jascha Schäfer

Lanterna Team
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Time flies during exam season, even though it's spread out. The key is to divide your time efficiently. Prioritise the next upcoming exam, but also allocate some time for other subjects you have left, and crucially, for relaxation. Don't let the intensity of the period burn you out.

Your absolute top priority should be the next exam on your schedule. Dedicate the majority of your study time to that. For any remaining study time, briefly review other subjects, but always ensure you build in significant relaxation time, especially before bed, to maintain balance and prevent exhaustion.

It's crucial to adopt a "what's done is done" mindset. Once an exam is over, there's nothing more you can do about it. Dwelling on a difficult exam will only distract and exhaust you for the upcoming ones. Try to forget about it and refocus your energy on the next challenge.

Absolutely. The IB Diploma is an extremely tough course, and it's very common to feel overwhelmed, stressed, or like you're struggling alone. Remember that countless other students are in the same boat. Connecting with peers or finding support online can help, but always refocus on your remaining exams afterwards.

For the final exams, continue to prioritise the immediate upcoming paper. Be efficient with your cramming, balancing intense study with essential relaxation. Most importantly, be kind to yourself. You've come a long way, and the final push is about maintaining focus and self-care until the very end.

Yes, Lanterna's expert tutors can provide targeted, last-minute support for your final IB exams across a wide range of subjects at both SL and HL. Whether you need to clarify complex topics, practice specific question types, or refine your exam technique, our tutors can help you make the most of your remaining study time and boost your confidence.

Our tutors, many of whom are high-achieving IB graduates themselves, understand the immense pressure of final exams. Beyond academic support, they can offer strategies for time management, stress reduction, and maintaining a positive mindset. They provide personalised guidance to help you navigate this challenging period effectively and confidently.

The Lanterna IB consultation is a free, no-pressure 20-30 minute session with one of our expert IB Student Success Experts. It's designed to help you get clarity on your current situation, whether you're a student or a parent, and walk away with a personalised plan for what to focus on next, especially during critical times like final exams.

Yes, the Lanterna IB consultation is absolutely free, with zero obligation to book tutoring afterwards. It's our way of providing immediate value and expert guidance to IB students and parents. You'll receive a clear plan, actionable advice, and a prioritised list of next steps, backed by our team's extensive experience supporting thousands of IB students.

Our Student Success Experts are highly experienced professionals with deep knowledge of the IB Diploma Programme. They've supported thousands of IB students and families, offering insights into subject choices, exam strategies, university applications, and overall IB success. They're here to provide tailored advice and support, helping you gain clarity and confidence.

The consultation is for any IB student or parent seeking clarity, guidance, or support with any aspect of the IB Diploma Programme, especially during high-pressure times like final exams. Whether you have specific academic concerns, need help with stress management, or want to explore future options, it's a valuable resource to get a personalised plan and peace of mind.


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