Are you considering a remark or retake for your International Baccalaureate (IB) exams? Understanding the process can make a significant difference in your final IB scores. Here’s a comprehensive guide to navigating IB remarks and retakes.

IB Remark Process

If you feel that your IB exam results don’t accurately reflect your abilities, you can request a remark of your exam papers. This process involves submitting a request through your IB coordinator to have your internal assessments (IAs) and exam papers re-reviewed in hopes of receiving extra marks. It’s important to note that a remark is not a re-evaluation of your entire exam; rather, it’s a review of the marking to ensure it was done correctly according to the IB’s marking schemes.

Key Points about IB Remarks:

• Types of Remarks: There are two types of remarks:
  • Category 1: A review to ensure all sections of the exam have been marked.
  • Category 2: A full re-marking of the entire exam paper.
• Eligibility: Any student who has completed an IB exam can request a remark.
• Deadline: The deadline to apply for a remark is typically in early July for May session exams and early December for November session exams.
• Fee: There is a fee associated with requesting a remark, which varies depending on the subject and the type of remark requested.

IB Retake Options

If you’re not satisfied with your overall IB diploma score or specific subject scores and have already explored the IB remark route, you might consider retaking exams for one or more subjects in the following session. Here are some frequently asked questions about IB retakes:

Frequently Asked Questions about IB Retakes:

• When Can I Retake Exams?
  • You can retake exams in the next available session, which is typically six months after the initial exam session (May or November).
• Can I Retake Specific Subjects?
  • Yes, you can choose to retake exams for specific subjects in which you want to improve your scores.
• How Many Times Can I Retake Exams?
  • You can retake exams as many times as needed to achieve your desired scores. However, universities may have specific policies regarding multiple retakes, so it’s important to verify this with your desired institutions.
• Are There Restrictions on Retaking Exams?
  • There are no official restrictions on how many exams you can retake, but it’s crucial to check with your IB coordinator regarding scheduling and registration deadlines.
• How Do Universities View Retake Scores?
  • Many universities accept retake scores, especially if they result in a higher overall IB diploma score or improved subject grades. It’s important to check with the universities you’re interested in to understand their policies regarding retakes.
• How Do I Register for Retakes?
  • You must coordinate with your IB coordinator to register for retakes. They will guide you through the registration process, including deadlines, fees, and exam session details.

Should I Retake the IB Exams in November or May?

Choosing between retaking IB exams in November or May depends on your university plans, timeline to achieve desired scores, and upcoming syllabus changes. For subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Philosophy, or Physics, retaking in November is recommended due to syllabus changes for May 2025 exams. Consider starting in November if you can make sufficient progress before universities start in September/October. If you’re not confident about improving scores in the short period, taking a full year to prepare before retaking exams may be advisable.

In Conclusion

Whether you choose to pursue a remark or retake exams, understanding the process and deadlines is crucial for making informed decisions about your IB results. Remember to consult with your IB coordinator and explore all available options to achieve your academic goals!