The Ultimate Exam Prep Hacks!

Here are 7 pro tips from our tutors at ReWiser to help you boost your scores in any exam!

Hack #1: Leverage Active Recall

Use flashcards to regularly test key concepts, strengthening memory retention.

Hack #2: Utilize Spaced Repetition

Review notes at increasing intervals—daily, weekly, monthly—to better embed information.

Hack #3: Optimize Your Study Environment

Choose a quiet, well-lit area and keep essential study materials close at hand.

Hack #4: Teach to Learn

Explain concepts to someone else to reinforce your understanding and uncover gaps.

Hack #5: Use Mnemonics and Visualization

Employ acronyms and sketches to simplify and remember complex information.

Hack #6: Practice with Past Exam Papers

Simulate real exam conditions at home to get a feel for question formats and time management.

Hack #7: Take Strategic Breaks

Use the 25-5 rule—study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break to refresh your mind.

Cracking the IB: 5 tips to nail your extended essay

Pick a Topic You’re Passionate About

The Extended Essay is a marathon, not a sprint. Choosing a topic you care about will keep you motivated throughout the journey.

Tip: Pick something that sparks your curiosity—it’ll make the research process much easier.

Narrow Down Your Research Question

A broad research question leads to vague answers. Focus on a specific angle to dive deeper and make your essay stronger.

Tip: Stay focused and avoid the temptation of covering too much in one go.

Plan Your Time Wisely

Procrastination is your worst enemy. Break your essay down into manageable chunks and set a timeline to complete each step.

Tip: Consistency is key—work on it a little bit each day.

Use Diverse Sources

Don’t rely on one type of resource. Books, journals, and credible online sources will make your essay more compelling.

Tip: A variety of ipsources strengthens your argument and shows depth in your research.

Edit Until It’s Perfect

Your first draft is just the beginning. Be ready to revise and fine-tune your essay multiple times for the best results.

Tip: A fresh perspective (or even a break) helps you catch mistakes you may have missed earlier.

5 Key tips to help choose the right AP courses

Choosing the right AP courses is a crucial decision that can shape your child’s academic journey and future college opportunities. As a parent, your guidance can help ensure they select courses that align with their strengths, interests, and goals. Here are 5 key points to consider that will help you navigate this process.

1. Assess Strengths and Interests

Start by evaluating your child’s strengths and passions. AP courses require dedication, so it’s important that your child chooses subjects they genuinely enjoy and excel in. If they’re strong in math, AP Calculus could be a good fit; if they love history, AP U.S. History might be ideal.

Parent Tip: Discuss your child’s favourite subjects to identify which AP courses match their interests and capabilities.

2. Align with Long-Term Goals

Consider how the AP courses fit into your child’s future academic and career plans. For example, STEM-oriented students might benefit from AP Biology or AP Physics, while those interested in humanities should consider AP English Literature or AP Art History.

Parent Tip: Talk about your child’s career aspirations and research which AP courses align with their goals.

3. Balance Rigour and Manageability

While challenging courses are beneficial, it’s important not to overload your child. Encourage them to choose a manageable number of AP courses that they can fully commit to, rather than taking on too many and risking burnout.

Parent Tip: Help your child create a balanced schedule that challenges them without overwhelming them.

4. Review College Credit Policies

Different colleges have varying policies on AP credits. Research the AP credit acceptance of colleges your child is interested in to ensure they’re choosing courses that will be beneficial in the college application process.

Parent Tip: Review college AP credit policies together to guide your child’s course selection.

5. Consult Teachers and Counsellors

Teachers and counsellors can provide valuable insights into which AP courses are right for your child based on their academic performance and readiness. Don’t hesitate to seek their advice.

Parent Tip: Meet with your child’s counsellor to discuss course recommendations and address any concerns.

Choosing the right AP courses involves considering your child’s strengths, interests, and long-term goals while ensuring a balanced workload. With thoughtful planning and guidance, you can help your child make decisions that will set them up for success in their academic journey and beyond.

3 common mistakes parents should avoid for IGCSE Success

Navigating your child’s IGCSE journey can be challenging. At Rewiser, we’ve identified specific pitfalls parents often encounter. Avoid these mistakes to help your child excel in their IGCSE exams!

Neglecting Core Subject Focus:

Mistake: Overlooking the importance of core subjects like Maths, English, and Science.

Solution: Ensure your child has a strong foundation in these subjects as they are crucial for IGCSE success and future academic pursuits.

Ignoring the Importance of Coursework:

Mistake: Focusing solely on exams and neglecting coursework.

Solution: Help your child allocate sufficient time and effort to coursework, as it contributes significantly to the final grade in many IGCSE subjects.

Not Utilizing IGCSE-Specific Resources:

Mistake: Using general study materials instead of IGCSE-specific resources.

Solution: Invest in textbooks, guides, and online resources tailored specifically to the IGCSE curriculum to ensure relevant and effective study.