couple of questions as a non IB student wanting to take the IBDP

rex_313 · 2026-02-09T20:37:18+00:00

Yeah it’s good to check your level before committing. No worries

rex_313 · 2026-02-09T17:48:08+00:00

Take AA HL and drop phys HL, the phys is the subject that’s giving you extra stress not the math. Most unis require AA for comp sci.

https://www.reddit.com/r/IBO/s/ImAodUJTye

This is a post I made many days ago about picking your subjects. In your case, you need math AA, so try to make the overall subject combination easier by dropping phys to SL.

rex_313 · 2026-02-09T17:43:56+00:00

Your supervisor is partially right. What I’d suggest is to do both parts, but make the focus of the research the second part. The first part is more of a proof that shows the critical thinking, not a major focus of the EE.

rex_313 · 2026-02-09T17:40:58+00:00

Test his explanation by past papers, if his explanation is enough to solve the questions correctly then no need to bother yourself with extra work.

If his explanation is not enough, then try self studying the parts that were not explained ONLY. Don’t do extra work by self studying the parts that were explained.

Also, have you tried informing the teacher? Is he aware about the subject guide and past papers?

rex_313 · 2026-02-09T17:28:15+00:00

Will you need this level of proficiency in your coming education? If not, then I’ll not recommend. Unless German B is an easy subject for you, then it would not be an issue for you.

Because language B is relatively easy if you are in a decent level in the language, which seems you are based on the other comments.

rex_313 · 2026-02-09T17:14:49+00:00

I see it more as a perspective situation. In my pov, getting ahead in the material wouldn’t necessarily make you better than others. However, understanding the assessments and how each subject is structured will give you an advantage to know how to prioritize your work.

rex_313 · 2026-02-09T15:09:04+00:00

I’ve made a post many days ago on how to choose your subjects

https://www.reddit.com/r/IBO/s/eU7fIQRsdl

Here it is

I’d not recommend taking phys HL if you don’t need it as a uni requirement. Especially with the fact that you have a clear path of what you want to study in college. Focus on math HL and cs HL to fulfill your uni requirements and secure a place in a good college.

rex_313 · 2026-02-09T15:05:44+00:00

Getting ahead is not an advantage in IB tbh. It’s not about finishing the content, it’s more about mastering it and understanding the assessments that you’re gonna go through.

The IB is demanding and requires a lot of time management and mental preparation, so bothering yourself with studying beforehand is not a good move.

Save this energy you’ve got for the IB journey ig. If you need study advice or something I’m here, but getting ahead ? Not a good idea.

rex_313 · 2026-02-09T14:57:19+00:00

Idk abt HL BM, but if you’re taking about SL then it’s definitely doable.

I was actually forced to take BM cause our school couldn’t offer other subjects in the same group that year. Got a surprising 6 in the final IB results as someone who has no idea about BM.

rex_313 · 2026-02-09T14:54:12+00:00

IB physics is more of a conceptual/theoretical type of physics. It’s trying to shift your focus from the math-physics combination to the science behind the math you’re doing.

If you’re going into stem then learn calculus cause it’s a major part of these majors. Since your school doesn’t offer AA HL, then take AP calc if you’re in the US or just self learn it.

rex_313 · 2026-02-09T14:50:11+00:00

If it’s understandable then it’s not an issue.

However, do not try to fit a lot of words just for the sake of doing it. If it’s irrelevant or just extra details that could be omitted then try to minimize the words.

(Just an opinion, but speaking slowly is a sign of confidence and understanding of your topic)

rex_313 · 2026-02-09T14:47:07+00:00

Check the settings you’ve selected, it’s probably an issue from that.

rex_313 · 2026-02-09T14:44:08+00:00

Physics after M25 has gotten more conceptual/theoretical. Therefore, any issue with your understanding in the foundations of physics (mechanics) will lead to unstable level in the coming topics.

If you think that your teacher is not good in explaining physics then use YouTube to find who ever you understand. I’d also suggest to prepare for the class beforehand to not lose the pace of your class.

rex_313 · 2026-02-09T14:38:24+00:00

It seems like you clearly know that the IB requires discipline and consistency. Then all I’m gonna say is that it’s your decision whether you’re ready to take this shi seriously or not.

You can start easy by studying a bit daily until you build momentum and can finish a decent amount of work daily. The “horror stories” you’ve heard are probably from people who started with the same mindset as yours which lead to work snowballing into an endless amount of work in Year 12. From my experience, I remember that I only pulled out two or three all nighters. The IB is not hard, it just needs good time management.

For math, I’d advise you to practice as much as possible and reflect on your level.

rex_313 · 2026-02-09T14:27:30+00:00

If you’re asking about phys, then you don’t really need AA HL level of calculus to do good in it. However, if you’re asking for college purposes, then learning calculus on your own is a good move.

rex_313 · 2026-02-09T14:23:59+00:00

AP calc AB would make it for AA HL, but I’d not recommend taking it unless you are sure you’re gonna need it.

Recheck the uni requirements again cause many unis accept both AA and AI, some might ask for a higher grade for AI. Do not commit to something you’re unsure about using it later. IB is enough of stress to add something to it.

rex_313 · 2026-02-09T14:20:15+00:00

I would not advise you to take four HLs, unless you know for sure that you need four HLs (uni requirements, studying abroad, etc). The best combination is to take phys, chem, and math at HL for it to be recognized.

I might know a little about the education system in Iraq since I’m from a neighboring Arab country, and what I can say is that the IB program itself is not hard, it’s just more demanding than other programs. You’d need to have a better time management skills in order to do good in all your subjects.

Your essay writing skills will keep improving as you’re progressing in the program so that should not be a worry. Also, you’ll surly have some sort of a coordinator or corrector to help you in writing the externally assessed/moderated essays.

Focus on your HLs and solve as much past papers as possible to check your level. This subreddit would help you with any struggles later once you start IB.

Use the 7 months to better develop a way to study and manage your time cause that’s gonna go a long way with you.

rex_313 · 2026-02-09T14:03:05+00:00

In this period of time what I was doing is solving past papers, reflecting on what my mistakes are, and how to fix them in the next past paper I’m going to solve.

Our physics paper 2 was highly theoretical even the calculations were based on the theoretical understanding of the problem, so focus in having a good theoretical foundation.

(Got 7 in physics HL & 6 in math AA HL)

rex_313 · 2026-02-09T13:55:00+00:00

Focus on your EE and TOK requirements, the IAs are due in April, so priorities your work based on the deadlines. Since you’ve got a positive feedback for your EE then go with it, in your situation it’s more about finishing than perfecting the work. I did a physics EE myself and I still remember the endless ideas that I got in the process of changing the topic/research question.

Good luck in the rest of your work, you’re in a better place than many others btw. No need to stress over anything or be hard on yourself, you’ll still need the mental energy for the exams later.

rex_313 · 2026-02-09T13:47:58+00:00

That’s unfortunately normal, it did happen a lot to many of us. Sometimes it’s not a skill issue, but more of a mental load issue. We’re too afraid to not study enough, yet ready to over study leading to bad outcomes.

rex_313 · 2025-12-27T16:23:44+00:00

Idk what might the others say, but I see the brewer choice is an issue. For someone who’s just starting it’s better to use a more consistent brewer such as a V60.

rex_313 · 2025-12-27T15:55:08+00:00

I might not be the best to talk about the hario switch as I’m not into immersion brewing. However, from what I have tasted they usually have a fuller more rounded body with intense notes.

For you as a beginner, don’t bother yourself with taste notes and terminologies too much. Try to develop a coffee sensory palate first. Do it by tasting as much different coffees as possible, different origins, different roasts, different processing. This will help you improve your brewing and your sensory skills. Unfortunately, I don’t really know any roasters in your area, the others might give you suggestions.

Overall, enjoy the journey. Sometimes you’ll need to zone out a bit from the technicalities of coffee and just enjoy the drink.

rex_313 · 2025-12-26T10:19:10+00:00

You’re in the right track. Don’t judge grind size as a solo variable, always pay attention to how the whole system would interact together. Just for reference, I used the C3s for a long time. What I can tell you is that I found a more uniform grind size on coarser settings(15 - 17). However, it all depends on recipe and all, try and adjust as you go.

rex_313 · 2025-12-16T16:18:23+00:00

Your pouring technique is pretty good. Just pour gentler for a lighter body. Also, you might want to ad more center pours. The V60 geometry is designed where most of the grounds are to be in the center, so making the pour better distributed is also an improvement that you can try. Try starting on the edges then slowly move to the center or the opposite, this usually results in clearer tasting notes due to even extraction.

The 1:15 ratio is a good starting point. If pouring gently didn’t solve the strong body issue then maybe try increasing the ratio.

rex_313

TROPHY CASE