Academic Excellence and a Mind for Law
Though proud of the final result, Hakim admits his initial predicted score of 43 points left him feeling that he could have done more. Still, the final outcome was enough to confirm conditional offers from top UK universities. “I’m incredibly grateful to have met the requirements and to be moving forward with my plans,” he shared.
His next step? A place in the LLB (Hons) Law programme at the University of Edinburgh. “Law suits me because I enjoy evaluating and dissecting complex texts. Edinburgh has been my dream city since childhood, and I’m excited by both the historic setting and the academic rigour of the course.”
Study Habits That Made a Difference
Like many high-achieving students, Hakim attributes his success to effective habits rather than shortcuts. “Sleep - ideally eight hours a night - was essential. It helped me avoid burnout.” When it came to revision, they relied on the “blurting” method to target weaker areas, supported by non-lyrical ambient music to maintain focus.
A key piece of advice? “Use a calendar - Apple Calendar, Notion, anything. Seeing your schedule laid out reduces stress and helps you prepare mentally.”
Passion for Language and Perspective
Although Hakim excelled across subjects, it was English Language & Literature - and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) - that truly resonated. “TOK challenged how I absorb and organise information. It gave me a bird’s eye view of learning that I found both practical and fascinating.”
Literary works like Gabriel García Márquez’s Love in the Time of Cholera made a lasting impact. So too did the lyrical complexity of Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly, which brought a fresh and culturally rich dimension to literary analysis.
Shaped by AIS
Reflecting on his time at AIS, Hakim credits the school’s holistic approach to education as vital preparation for university life. “The IB Diploma Programme challenged me academically with its in-depth syllabi, and socially through the CAS requirements. AIS teachers were meticulous in tracking my academic progress, but they also allowed me to learn from my mistakes. That balance has shaped my independence and confidence moving forward.”
Hakim also highlights the value of support when managing Internal Assessments and the Extended Essay. “Many students underestimate how closely timed everything is in Year 2 of the IBDP. Start early and plan ahead. Even if you think your research is complete - keep digging. And try to finish early to avoid clashes with other deadlines.”
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
As Hakim prepares to take his place at one of the world’s top universities, he carries with him the lessons, and the people, who helped shape his journey. “Honestly, every teacher I had at AIS has made a meaningful impact. I’m honoured to have learned from them, and I’ll carry those lessons with me wherever I go.”
With a clear sense of purpose and a strong academic foundation, Hakim is ready to take on the world - one page, one paragraph, and one case at a time.
