Meet Hong Kong's Perfect Scoring IB Students
Christine Chua Chung-chi from ESF King George V School is heading off to The University of Hong Kong to study law.
What was key to your success in the IB Diploma?
The IB Diploma is an extremely difficult and stressful curriculum, so perhaps the most important key to success is simply having a positive attitude. Before I enter any exam, I always try to calm myself and give myself words of encouragement because I know that as long as I have tried my best, I should be proud of myself regardless of whatever score I get in the end. Once you have eliminated all the doubt and fear, you will realise that you are capable of so much more than you imagine. Moreover, I have the most supportive friends, family and teachers who have all helped me pass through the stressful times and I cannot thank them enough for that.
How do you think the IB has prepared you for university?
The IB curriculum has helped me develop a set of critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to manage my time well. At a certain point in time, you will find all the deadlines creeping up on you so prioritising particular subjects and handing assignments on time is a crucial skill you must have when you take IB. However, what I like most about the IB is that it really encourages you to find your own area of interests, especially when writing the Extended Essay. I found myself learning and researching about something way outside the scope of the IB syllabus and in fact really enjoyed the process. This passion for learning about the world I live in is something I will definitely take with me to university.
What advice would you give to the next cohort of IB students?
Everyone says this because it is true: Manage your time well. It never hurts to start early when doing an assignment and you will feel a lot less stressed when you realise the deadline is approaching. Once you have nailed your time management, everything naturally becomes easier to complete. I think choosing a topic you enjoy writing about in the Extended Essay is equally as important, because the more you enjoy it, the more it shows in your work and the more the examiner feels your enthusiasm.
Next page: Meet Samanwita Sen!
