
How to Get in the Right Mindset for IB Mock Exams
Learn how to get in the right mindset for IB mock exams with expert revision tips. Pace your studies, plan effectively, and prioritize self-care for success.
Getting in the Right Mindset for IB Mock Exams
It’s (unfortunately) that time of year again, where IB mock exams and target grades start to become a lot more relevant. Today, we’ll run through our top tips of how to get in the right mindset to smash those exams out of the park!
Work Backwards
Step one is of course knowing which mocks you have when – which hopefully your teachers will have told you. Add these in to your planner/calendar right away. Next, you need to add in time slots for revision.
You can put your prioritisation skills in to practice. Starting with the last exam, start to work backwards to today’s date. Schedule fewer sessions for those subjects you’re doing better in, and vice versa. Mocks are important, but not the be-all-and-end-all, so you can afford to revise like this. The number of sessions will also depend on the content for the exam – if in doubt, ask your peers or teacher for a list of the relevant topics.
Once this planning is out of the way, it’s just a case of sticking to it to the best of your abilities. Don’t beat yourself up if you have to skip a session here and there, or reschedule. It’s important not to be too rigid in your planning, especially for mocks. After all, you’re busy enough as it is, right?!
Pace Yourself
As with most things in life, it’s key to pace yourself and take enough breaks. You might be a fan of the Pomodoro technique (to find out more, click here): This is a good way to study for as long as possible whilst remaining effective, making sure to reward yourself with some all-too precious dopamine between the cycles.
Keep it Dynamic
If you are doing multiple study sessions on the same day, don’t just stick with one subject. Keep it fresh by staggering: If you decide to do 4 hours of Maths revision this week, split that up in to 3 or 4 separate study sessions. This ensures you don’t get bored or complacent, where the content won’t actually be absorbed properly.
Manage Yourself
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to the amount of revision you do (sadly), so it’s important to listen to yourself. Keep sleep as a priority in the weeks running up to exams, and avoid the infamous all-nighter. If you decide to, then your performance for an exam on the following day will likely be strongly impacted, including the amount of content you’re able to recall. To find out more about this, take a look at this article here.
Remember: They’re Only Mocks!
At the end of the day, these are only mocks. Do as well as you can, put as much effort in as is feasible, but if you aren’t able to revise as much as your classmates, you really shouldn’t worry. There’s always still time to improve afterwards.
Try to see the IB mock exams as an opportunity to try out your exam skills without as much pressure. It’s useful to think of them in a similar sense to final exams, as a kind of ‘dress rehearsal’ for the real thing. Always keep in mind, though, that they are really just that: A practice to see where you’re at right now.
So, ultimately, prioritise taking care of yourself, don’t be too harsh if it doesn’t all go to plan, and remember that there’s still plenty of time for things to get better!

We’re the Lanterna Team — a group of 600+ IB expert tutors, ranging from 45/45 IB graduates to IB teachers with 30+ years of teaching and examiner experience.
For over 20 years, we’ve supported tens of thousands IB students worldwide with one clear focus: making high achievement feel more doable. Our team of experienced tutors have come together to combine their deep curriculum knowledge with practical strategies that are proven to work.
Whether you’re building strong foundations in DP1, pushing for a final stretch in DP2, or looking for clarity on what to prioritise, we’re here to help you study smarter, stay confident, and get results.
Why Lanterna?
IB mock exams are a crucial "dress rehearsal" for your final IB exams. They help you identify strengths and weaknesses, practice exam technique under timed conditions, and get a realistic idea of your current understanding without the full pressure of the real thing. They're an invaluable opportunity to learn and improve your strategy.
Start by mapping out all your mock exam dates and work backward from the last exam, scheduling revision sessions. Prioritise subjects you find more challenging or those with extensive content. Remember to pace yourself, incorporate regular breaks, and vary subjects to keep your study dynamic and effective. Don't be too rigid – flexibility is key!
Techniques like the Pomodoro method can help maintain focus and prevent burnout. It's also beneficial to break up study sessions for a single subject into multiple shorter blocks throughout the week to keep content fresh and improve absorption. Most importantly, prioritise adequate sleep and avoid all-nighters to ensure optimal performance and recall.
Don't worry! Mock exams are primarily a learning tool, not the final word. If your results aren't what you expected, view it as valuable feedback. It highlights specific areas where you need more focus and gives you ample time to adjust your study strategy before the final exams. There's always time to improve and refine your approach.
Lanterna provides expert 1-to-1 online tutoring with IB graduates and experienced teachers who can help you identify knowledge gaps, refine exam techniques, and develop a personalised revision strategy for each subject. Our tutors offer targeted support to boost your confidence and performance in mocks and beyond, ensuring you're ready for the real thing.
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 give you clarity on your current situation, discuss your challenges (like mock exam preparation), and help you create a personalised plan for your IB journey.
Yes, the Lanterna IB consultation is absolutely free, with zero obligation to book tutoring. Our primary goal is to provide immediate value by helping you understand your options and next steps. You'll walk away with a clear plan, priorities, and what to focus on now, backed by our team's experience, whether you choose to continue with Lanterna or not.
Our Student Success Experts are highly experienced professionals with deep knowledge of the IB Diploma Programme. The consultation is for anyone involved in the IB journey – students, parents, or both together – seeking guidance, clarification, or a strategic plan for academic success, especially around critical periods like mock exams. You can ask anything and get a simple, personalised plan.
Yes, Lanterna has a vast network of over 600 expert IB tutors covering virtually all IB subjects at both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL). Whether you need help with Maths AA, Biology, History, or any other subject, we can match you with a specialist tutor who understands the specific requirements for mock and final exams.
Our tutors are highly qualified, including top IB graduates (many scoring 40+ points), experienced IB teachers with an average of 10+ years of teaching at leading schools globally, and some even have examiner experience. They understand the IB curriculum and assessment criteria inside out, providing invaluable insights and strategies for mock exam success.
More free resources

The Ultimate Guide to Acing Your IB Mock Exams
Ace your IB Mock Exams with this free, ultimate guide. Learn expert strategies to prepare effectively, avoid common pitfalls, and maximize your predicted grades.

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.

How to prepare for IB Mock Exams
Understand how to prepare for IB Mock Exams with expert revision tips and insights into their utility for establishing routine, not just predicting your final IB grade.

How to Study for IB Mocks: Top Tips
Learn how to study for IB mocks efficiently with expert revision tips. Prioritize active recall, plan your study schedule, and learn from mistakes for better grades.

Last-Minute IB Mock Exam Tips
Need last-minute IB Mock Exam Tips? Learn expert strategies: prioritize sleep, avoid rambling, change your answer if unsure, and don't get stuck during revision.

How to Get the Right IB Exam Mindset
Learn how to get the right IB exam mindset with expert revision tips covering effective study techniques, sleep, nutrition, and essential resources to boost your confidence.

How to Manage Your IB Exam Stress: Practical Tips
Manage your IB exam stress with expert, practical tips. Learn how structured revision plans and self-care can help you conquer exam season anxiety.

How to Prepare for IB Exams: Top Tips & Strategies
Learn how to prepare for IB exams with proven strategies and revision tips from an IB graduate. Master planning, self-care, and effective study methods.
Professional Support for the Final Push
GRADUATES
TEACHERS
EXAMINERS
BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION TODAY
Stockholm based, supporting students worldwide. We are IB experts committed to achieving your academic goals.
ABOUT US