The article title is How to Get an A* in IGCSE: 9 Effective Steps for Exam Success. To ace IGCSE may seem challenging, but with the right strategies, resources, and mindset, it’s absolutely within reach. Whether you're studying for the Cambridge or Edexcel IGCSE, this guide outlines nine actionable ways to help you succeed. From effective study planning to subject-specific techniques, each tip is designed to maximise your performance. 1. Understand the Grading Criteria to ace IGCSE To ace IGCSE, you need to score within the top grade boundaries, typically 90% or higher, depending on the subject and exam board. Study the syllabus and assessment objectives carefully to understand exactly what examiners are looking for. Cambridge and Edexcel both publish detailed syllabi and mark schemes, which are essential tools for preparing for an A* grade. 2. Create a Smart Revision Plan Early The best way to tackle and ace IGCSE exams is to start early with a good study plan. Here are some tips on creating a smart and effective revision plan:  Divide your syllabus into manageable chunks and assign weekly goals.  Prioritise difficult topics first.  Build in time for review and practice papers.  Use a mix of digital planners and printables. You can also download an IGCSE Revision Planner from Tutopiya to stay on track. By factoring in these important pointers, you should be able to get the most out of all your learning sessions.  3. Practice with Past Papers (as much as possible) Nothing prepares you better than real exam questions. Practice with past IGCSE papers under timed conditions and check your answers using the official mark schemes. This helps you familiarise yourself with question styles, time management, and marking expectations. As covered in point 2, you should schedule these past papers during your revision plan. Try aiming for mock exam simulations every month.  4. Master Subject-Specific Techniques Different subjects require different approaches: Maths: Focus on problem-solving steps, not just answers. Show all workings. Science: Learn to interpret data, diagrams, and lab setups. Master definitions and formula applications. English: Develop clear, structured essays. Practice writing under timed conditions and expand your vocabulary. Humanities: Use case studies, dates, and examples effectively. Work on essay planning and source-based questions. To separate yourself from the A students, you will have to master the techniques and have a strong foundation in these subjects.  5. Use Active Learning Techniques  Every student begins with passive learning to absorb foundational knowledge. However, to truly retain information and strengthen understanding, it’s essential to transition into active learning methods. Passive learning includes reading, highlighting and rewriting your notes. Active learning involves the use of flashcards, taking quizzes, and using mind maps to recall information.  Combining with spaced repetition (reviewing at increasing intervals) to enhance long-term retention. Tools like Anki have spaced intervals built into their application to help you with this aspect.  6. Learn from Examiner Reports Cambridge and Edexcel release examiner reports highlighting common student mistakes and what top candidates do well. Review these to understand what to avoid and what to focus on. These reports provide valuable insights into how A* candidates structure their answers and manage their time. 7. Seek Help When Needed Even top students hit roadblocks. Online tuition platforms like Tutopiya offer flexible 1-to-1 IGCSE tuition from subject-qualified tutors. Whether you’re taking the GCE O Levels or IGCSE, Tutopiya’s personalised support ensures your weak areas are addressed. Their tutors are trained in both curricula and provide targeted feedback, past paper walkthroughs, and revision support. 8. Build Exam Confidence and Exam-Day Strategies to ace IGCSE Being calm and confident on exam day is half the battle. Practising past papers with timed pressure and similar exam environment settings is a great way to help overcome any exam day anxiety.  Eliminate making choices on the day of your exams; prepare the night before. For example,  Prepare all the necessary documents (eg, student ID, stationery)  Reach the exam venue early - set a time to wake up, eat, and leave for the venue.  Take a cardigan or jacket if the exam venue is air-conditioned.  Bring a bottle of water for hydration.  Avoid trying anything new on your exam day. If you have been eating well with your usual breakfast, do not switch things up. If you have been taking the same route to the venue, do not try a new route. There is too much decision-making in this process; it is best to stick to what you know best on the day of your exams.  9. Review your and other IGCSE students' common mistakes Many students revise too late, ignore the syllabus, or skip marking their past papers. Others don’t ask for help early enough. Avoid these traps by starting early and constantly reviewing your progress. By doing this, it helps you to spot the common mistakes you typically make as well as highlight which are your weaker areas.  Your common mistakes may be unique to other IGCSE students, but it is still great to read up on other common mistakes made during IGCSEs. It does not hurt to gain more insights.  You may find that it is not easy to realise your own common mistakes or even how to rectify them from a strategic standpoint. Students may want to consider looking for an expert in this area to help. Tutopiya online learning platform offers built-in features like a progress tracker for tutors to look back on for their students. These trackers offer insights on common IGCSE mistakes, and our experienced tutors can help to curate the right strategies to help students overcome them. For broader and generic common mistakes, our blog talks about how to overcome them.  Read more: Common Mistakes & Study Tips for GCE & GCSE O Level Chemistry Exams  In a Nutshell to ace IGCSE By applying these nine strategies consistently, students significantly improve their chances of scoring an A* in their IGCSE exams. With focused effort, subject-specific techniques, and personalised support from platforms like Tutopiya, academic success is within reach.