• IB assessments are nerve-wracking, irrespective of how prepared you are. Experiencing stress during these assessments is normal (think of our author's experience when giving an oral presentation!).

Remember! Stress can be physiological too - elevated heart rate, stuttering, flushed feeling.

• Be wary of "overtraining" - excessive practicing, cramming, or studying right before the exam, which can lead to burnout and added stress.

Real-world Example: It's like preparing for a marathon. You wouldn't run your longest distance just before the race, right? The same goes for studying - don't exhaust yourself just before the big day!

• It's important to gradually reduce the intensity of your studying as the exams approach. This time should be for letting things sink in rather than cramming in new knowledge.

Real-world Example: Again, take the marathon example. Runners taper their training to let their body rest and accumulate energy for the race. Similarly, your brain needs this downtime to process and consolidate all the information you've learned.

• Instead of trying to memorize last-minute tips or cramming in more practice, take this time to review, skim, glance at notes, and ensure you're getting enough sleep.

Remember! Quality over quantity. It's not about how many hours you put in, but how effectively you use them.