
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.
Mock Exams: Do They Really Matter?
Mock Exams are often seen as the only obstacle between you and your final exams. Here is an unfiltered and unbiased opinion about their utility, from the perspective of an IB graduate.
Perhaps a controversial opinion, but I think Mock Exams matter both a great deal and very little.

Why Mock Exams Matter
Mock Exams are incredibly important because the setting will be remarkably similar to your real exams. You’ll probably be seated in the same examination room, taking old past papers, and following a similar schedule to the actual exams. This allows you to establish a routine.
I recommend that you see Mock Exams as a trial run for the real thing and try to establish a coherent routine that you can then use in May. While you have little control over what happens in the examination room, you can attempt to control the circumstances around exams.
There was something extremely comforting knowing I had a routine approaching May exams based on what I learned during Mock Exams. Specifically, I tried to establish a routine with regards to the following: eating, sleeping, exercise, and how I would study for my exams. I reflected on the simple, everyday things that I could do to make the exam process easier:
- Should I drink coffee before an exam?
- Should I study in the morning if I have an afternoon exam, or try to relax?
- When I come home from a full day of exams, should I take a few hours to relax or study immediately?

Why Mock Exams Are Irrelevant (for predictions)
In terms of predicting your actual IB grade, Mock Exams can be irrelevant. While some of you may be relying on your Mock Exams for predicted grades, I urge caution. For example, my prediction after Mock Exams was 30; I ended up getting 42 points.
Most students forget that there is a tremendous amount of time between Mock Exams and the real exams. There is still time to improve. Likewise, however, if you don’t make use of the time between Mocks and the real exams, you might see your results turn on you unfavorably. Thus, mock exams are invaluable in terms of knowing how your real exams will operate practically. However, they are not always a fruitful indicator of the actual mark you’ll be getting in July.

How to Best Prepare for Mock Exams
When looking forward to mock exams, how should you best prepare? You can best prepare by scheduling some intense revision sessions where you try to review the key information in your subjects. Do not fret if you are unable to review all your topics! The most important thing is that you attempt to review some.
Secondly, I would recommend that you take a ‘learner style’ test before Mock Exams. Learner Style tests are an easy way to see if you are studying in ways which play to your strengths. All you do is answer a few questions about how you tend to learn. Then you’ll get an answer about how you should study to get the best results. Knowing how you learn best will allow you to make your revision for Mock Exams more productive as you’ll begin to utilize your strengths. To take a learner style test, click here.
Good luck revising, I know you can do it!


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 crucial as they serve as a realistic trial run for your final exams. They allow you to experience the exam setting, practice time management, and establish a personal routine for eating, sleeping, and studying that you can refine before the actual May exams. It's an invaluable opportunity to identify what works best for you under exam conditions.
Not always. While they provide a snapshot of your current understanding, there's often a significant period between mocks and final exams where substantial improvement can occur. Many students see a significant jump in their final scores. It's more important to use mocks to identify areas for improvement rather than as a definitive prediction.
Focus on intense revision sessions to review key information across your subjects. Don't worry if you can't cover everything; the goal is to practice active recall and identify gaps. Consider taking a 'learner style' test to understand how you learn best, making your revision more productive. Creating a strong timetable and exploring various revision techniques are also highly recommended.
Don't panic! Lower-than-expected mock grades are an opportunity to learn and improve. Analyze your results to pinpoint specific topics or question types where you struggled. Use this feedback to refine your study plan for the final exams. If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to improve, a free consultation with a Lanterna Student Success Expert can help you create a targeted plan.
Lanterna can provide targeted support to help you bridge the gap between your mock results and your final goals. Our expert tutors, many of whom scored 40+ in the IB or have extensive teaching and examining experience, can help you address specific weaknesses identified in your mocks, refine your exam technique, and build confidence. We offer personalised online tutoring across all IB subjects.
The Lanterna IB consultation is a free, no-pressure 20-30 minute session with one of our experienced IB Student Success Experts. It's designed to give you clarity on your current situation, discuss your challenges (like mock exam performance), and help you develop a personalised plan for your next steps in the IB Diploma Programme.
Yes, absolutely! Our IB consultation is completely free of charge and comes with no obligation to book tutoring. It's our way of helping IB students and parents gain valuable insights and a clear strategy, backed by our team's extensive experience supporting thousands of IB students worldwide.
Lanterna's Student Success Experts are highly knowledgeable individuals with deep experience in the IB Diploma Programme. They understand the challenges students face and are skilled at helping families identify priorities, create effective study plans, and navigate the IB journey. They are there to listen, advise, and provide a clear roadmap.
Yes, definitely. Our network of over 600 expert IB tutors covers virtually all IB subjects at both Standard and Higher Levels. If you struggled with a particular subject or topic in your mocks, we can connect you with a specialist tutor who can provide targeted support, clarify concepts, and improve your understanding and exam technique.
Lanterna's tutors offer personalised, one-on-one support tailored to your specific needs. They can help you understand complex topics, develop effective study strategies, improve your exam technique, and provide feedback on practice papers. Our tutors include high-achieving IB graduates (40+ points), experienced IB teachers, and even former examiners, ensuring you receive premium, expert guidance.
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.

Last-Minute IB Exam Tips
Master the final days before your IB exams! Get essential last-minute exam tips: what to do and what to avoid (sleep, not cramming new content). from IB 40+ grads.

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.

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.

Parent's Guide to IB DP2 Mock Exams
Support your child through IB mock exams with our DP2 Consolidation Guide. Access a 4-week revision plan, IA tracker, and wellness tips to boost confidence.

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.
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