Hard work alone won’t get you a score of 45 in the International Baccalaureate exam. We ask LUCA PICAZO, an ISF graduate, about some of the other factors that went into his perfect his IB Diploma Program grade, from preparing for exams with private tutoring to test-day tactics.
Congrats on your 45! What are three words that sum up your approach to the IB Diploma Program?
Balance, deep-thinking, organisation.
What was your favourite subject and why?
Design was a great space for creative and intellectual thinking, giving me a breath of fresh air from the tedium of subjects requiring precise logic – such as Mathematics and Economics. The iterative process it introduced also allowed me to shift my mindset into one of small, consistent efforts rather than one large session of cramming.
What were some areas where you felt you could use extra help?
I found myself overwhelmed by many of the larger assignments, including the Extended Essay and TOK Essay. Perhaps this was because I had not previously experienced writing a rigorous academic paper or thesis.
In what ways did BartyED help you with these?
Jerome and BartyED taught me incredibly useful tools to take on these assignments in achievable, organised chunks. Indeed, some of these skills continue to guide me in university, such as the inverted pyramid writing structure, mind mapping to formulate concise hooks, and ideal time management practices for the IB and its associated rigour.
Any advice for parents as to how they might best assist their child doing the IB?
At the end of the day, home was the environment in which I studied the most. So I found comfort in having supportive parents who were there even during low moments or busy times. My parents also kept me in check with constant reminders to sleep early, eat well and make smarter choices.
Do you have any advice on preparing for exams?
While it may be counterintuitive, some of the best advice I put in practice involved not doing rigorous prep on the day of exams, but rather taking time to exercise or rest in the mornings – especially for an afternoon exam.
What opportunities did your International Baccalaureate exam score create?
Fortunately, my score broadened the range of colleges and universities I was able to apply for, and successfully enrol in.
What are you planning on doing in the future?
I’m currently studying Design at the University of Pennsylvania, and may venture into a potential dual-degree in Operations, Information and Decisions. I’ve been exploring a wide range of subjects, from Graphic Design and AI to Science Technology and Art History. Ultimately, I hope to head back to Asia to explore the growing intersection between art, technology and design.
A word from Jerome at BartyED
“Getting a perfect score in the IB Diploma Program is a marathon, not a sprint. If you’re aiming high, there isn’t an opportunity for a slow start in the first year as the pace of all courses tends to be rapid. Setting small, immediate, achievable goals and meeting them is much more effective in the long term. Lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of internal assessments – they can make the difference between a 6 and a 7 on results day.
“Our team teach all IBDP subjects, working both with schools providing full-time classroom instruction as well as one-to-one with students. Where a student is aiming for 45, I collaborate closely with our tutors, providing an extra pair of eyes to read over drafts of Extended Essays and internal assessments. The vast majority of work I do personally with IB candidates nowadays is not actually tuition, but rather helping students navigate the complex process of US college and university admissions.”
For more information about private tutoring leading up to the International Baccalaureate exam and for students or any age group, contact BartyED at enquiries@bartyed.com or 2882 1017
This article about preparing for exams and scoring well in the IB Diploma Program first appeared in the Winter 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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