The DP2 Comeback: Your Strategic Guide to Transforming IB Grades

Feeling like your DP1 grades didn't reflect your true potential? Don't worry, you're not alone. The second year of the IB is where everything clicks into place for many students, and a significant academic comeback is not just possible—it's common. Universities love to see an upward trend, and this guide is your blueprint for making that happen.

Think of DP2 as a new game. You know the rules now, and it's all about playing smarter, not just harder. Let's break down the exact strategies you need to turn things around and finish the IB on a high.

Phase 1: The Honest Audit & Mindset Shift

Before you can build a comeback strategy, you need to know exactly where you stand. This isn't about dwelling on past mistakes; it's about a quick, honest assessment to identify the highest-impact areas for improvement. Let's get it all down on paper so you can stop worrying and start acting.

Subject	DP1 Grade	DP2 Target Grade	Top 3 Weak Topics / Skills
Math (AA/AI)
Science Subject
Humanities Subject
Language A
Language B
Sixth Subject

The Lanterna Tip: Once this is filled out, focus 80% of your energy on the "Weak Topics" you've listed. Fixing foundational gaps is the fastest way to see a grade jump. Don't just revise what you're already good at!

Phase 2: Adopt High-Impact Study Systems

The difference between a 5 and a 7 isn't usually about intelligence; it's about the system you use to study. Stop passively re-reading your textbook and start engaging with the material like an examiner would.

Active Recall > Passive Review

Passive review is reading notes or watching a video. It feels productive, but it's not. Active recall is forcing your brain to retrieve information. Do this by:

Doing past paper questions without notes.
Using flashcards (for definitions, formulas).
Explaining a concept aloud to someone else (or an empty room!).

Master the Mark Scheme

Every past paper you do should be followed by a deep-dive into the mark scheme. Don't just check your score. Ask yourself:

What specific keywords did I miss?
How was the model answer structured?
Why did I lose "easy" marks? (e.g., wrong units, missed a step in working)

Understand Command Terms

The IB is very specific. "Analyse" does not mean "Describe". "Evaluate" does not mean "Explain". Make a list of the key command terms for your subjects and know exactly what each one is asking you to do. This is one of the highest-leverage skills you can build.

The Pomodoro Technique

To beat procrastination and burnout, work in focused bursts. Use a timer:

Work for 25 minutes (no phone, no distractions).
Take a 5-minute break.
After 4 cycles, take a longer 15-30 minute break.

This manages your energy, not just your time.

Phase 3: Secure Your IA & Core Points

Your Internal Assessments, Extended Essay, and TOK are your secret weapons for a comeback. Unlike final exams, you have months to perfect them, and they make up a huge chunk of your final grade. Don't leave these points on the table.

Start Early, Draft Often: The single biggest mistake students make is leaving IAs and the EE to the last minute. Choose a topic you genuinely find interesting, start your research early, and aim to have a full first draft way ahead of the deadline. Feedback is gold—use every opportunity to get it from your teachers.
Focus on the Rubric: Your teacher has the exact marking criteria for your IAs. Treat it like a checklist. Go through your draft, point by point, and ensure you've hit every requirement. This is how you climb from a 5 to a 7.
Don't Neglect TOK: TOK and the EE can give you up to 3 bonus points. That can be the difference between missing your university offer and exceeding it. Take it seriously—it's designed to improve your critical thinking, which helps in all your other subjects too.

Phase 4: Well-being is a Performance Strategy

You can't make an academic comeback if you're burnt out. In DP2, managing your well-being isn't a luxury; it's a fundamental part of your academic strategy. Your brain is a physical organ—treat it like one.

Protect Your Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours per night, consistently. An all-nighter before a test will hurt your performance far more than it helps. Sleep is when your brain consolidates learning and memory.
Move Your Body: Even a 20-minute walk outside can improve focus, reduce stress, and boost your mood. Don't sacrifice exercise for an extra hour of inefficient studying.
Know When to Ask for Help: This is the most important step. Talk to your teachers, your parents, and your friends. If you're stuck on a concept or feeling overwhelmed, you don't have to handle it alone.

The Ultimate Comeback Tool: An Expert Guide
Sometimes, the fastest way to fix a problem is to work with someone who has already mastered it. Our tutors at Lanterna aren't just subject experts; they are recent IB graduates who scored 40+ points and achieved 7s in the very subjects you're taking. They know the syllabus inside-out, understand the common traps students fall into, and can give you the specific, high-leverage feedback needed to turn a 5 into a 7. They’ve been in your shoes and know exactly what it takes to make that DP2 comeback.

Manmohini Tiwari
Hi, I’m Manmohini, an IB graduate with 40 points, now studying International Relations and Global Affairs in Italy. I earned 7s in HL History and HL English A, along with an A in TOK, and I’ve been tutoring these subjects for around four years. My experience working with organisations like NATO and the United Nations has deepened my understanding of global issues — something I love bringing into my lessons to make learning more relevant and thought-provoking. I focus on helping students see connections between ideas, develop strong essay and critical thinking skills, and approach the IB with confidence and curiosity rather than stress. My lessons are interactive and tailored to each student’s goals, whether that’s improving analysis, refining writing, or mastering exam techniques. I see tutoring as more than academics — it’s about building perspective and empowering students to express themselves clearly while staying balanced.. When I’m not tutoring, you’ll usually find me hiking, playing new music, or planning my next travel adventure.

Absolutely. Many students significantly improve their grades between DP1 and their final exams. Universities often look favourably on a strong upward trend. The key is to adopt a strategic, focused approach, which this guide outlines. For a personalised comeback plan, the best first step is often a chat with an expert.

Feeling overwhelmed is very common in DP2. The single most important first step is to create a clear and realistic plan. This means identifying your specific weak areas, prioritising high-impact tasks (like IAs and key topics), and scheduling your time effectively. This is precisely what our Student Success Experts help you do in a free IB consultation.

The Lanterna IB consultation is a free, 20-30 minute online call with a Student Success Expert. We'll discuss your specific IB challenges and goals, and you'll receive a personalised action plan to help you improve your grades and reduce stress. There is no obligation to purchase tutoring.

Our tutors are expert IB graduates who achieved top scores themselves. They provide targeted, one-on-one support to help you master difficult concepts, refine your IA and EE, and learn how to answer exam questions effectively using mark schemes. They help turn your weaknesses into strengths, which is crucial for a successful comeback.

Common mistakes include procrastinating on the Extended Essay and IAs, using passive study techniques like simply re-reading notes, not practicing enough past papers under timed conditions, and neglecting well-being, which leads to burnout. This guide provides strategies to help you avoid these pitfalls.

Yes, the consultation is completely free and there is absolutely no obligation to continue with tutoring. Our goal is to provide clarity and a strategic plan that empowers students and parents on their IB journey. You'll leave the call with valuable, actionable advice.

Our Student Success Experts are IB specialists, many of whom are high-achieving IB graduates. They have deep 'insider' knowledge of the IB system and are trained to help families diagnose challenges and build effective study plans. They are your first point of contact for strategic guidance and support.

They are incredibly important. IAs typically count for 20-25% of your final grade in a subject, and a strong EE and TOK score can add up to 3 bonus points to your total. Focusing on these components is a powerful strategy for boosting your overall score, as you have more time and control over them compared to final exams.

Yes, Lanterna provides expert online tutoring for a vast range of IB subjects at both Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL). Our global network of tutors means we can find the right expert for your specific needs, no matter your subject combination.

After the 20-30 minute call, you will have a clear, personalised action plan with priorities and next steps. If you feel one-on-one tutoring would be a good fit, your Student Success Expert can match you with an ideal tutor. However, there is no pressure or expectation to do so.

+44 7458 159704

info@lanterna.com

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