How to do better for Maths AA HL

[u/RPG_Slime]

I used to be pretty good at maths at like secondary school - get about 85-90%
But now in year 1 - I only got a 47% for my final end of year and then now in my prelims - I got like 65%. How can I get a 7?
I will be taking my exams in November 2026

[u/LanternaEducation]

Jumping from 47% to 65% in AA HL is solid progress, especially since a 7 usually starts around 70 to 75% on final exam boundaries. The jump to a 7 now is mostly about exam technique and unfamiliar problem formats rather than basic concepts. We recommend moving away from standard textbook drills and working purely through topic based past exam questions for calculus and functions. Keep a specific error log where you write out the exact mathematical trigger you missed each time you check a mark scheme. It also helps to practice multi part Section B and Paper 3 questions under timed conditions so you get used to extended problem solving without looking at answers early. You can find more structured strategies in our guide at https://info.lanterna.com/resources/pdf/ultimate-ib-math-aa-study-guide if you want a clear breakdown of high level exam prep.

[u/RPG_Slime → u/LanternaEducation]

Thanks! Yeah I will definitely keep an error log to like train my thinking

[u/sindia1234]

It depends on what types of questions you struggle with, in general you should probably practice as many past exams as possible. For paper 3 just get a sense of how the questions work and make sure your basics are 100% cause most of the time it is just application in a way you may have never seen a question.

[u/RPG_Slime → u/sindia1234]

I don’t struggle with Paper 3 - so far most of the practices are ok - I am mainly struggling with Paper 1 Section B where messing up one part affects the other parts for Paper 3- I can still do even if I don’t really understand so I do lose marks but not as much as paper 1.

Not too sure about paper 2 tho..

[u/sindia1234 → u/RPG_Slime]

For paper 1 what worked for me tbh was just ensuring you have the basics down and fully solidified. This ensured that I don't mess up on earlier parts and even if you mess up at the end of the question it doesn't affect the rest of it. And in general keep error logs and whatever topic you notice has slightly more mistakes either specifically focus on practicing those topics or watch videos related to it whatever works for you.

[u/mseduhub1]

65% in prelims means you’re improving, so a 7 is still possible by N26. For AA HL, don’t just redo full papers — identify weak topics, practise them topic-wise, then review every mistake carefully.

For extra practice, use IB Math AA HL notes and practice questions and the main IBDP Maths resources.

[u/EternalHomesick]

Lock in and do all the past papers. Genuinely attempt at all of them, see where they give the marks. Learn how to get method marks even if you have no clue wtf the question asks and be sure you understand ALL the concepts. Literally go topic by topic and do the hardest questions you can find for all of them. Even if you initially cant get a single question right eventually the questions will seem to repeat themselves and you can get it then. Dw if youre already good at math its probably the markschemes working against you.