One of the most common IB fears is this: “If too many students take my subject, does that make it harder to get a 7?”
It’s an understandable concern. When subjects like English A, Biology, or Business Management have massive global cohorts, it can feel like competition is stacked against you. But this fear often leads students to make poor decisions — either avoiding subjects they enjoy or blaming results on enrolment rather than preparation.
This article explains whether subject popularity actually affects your chance of scoring a 7, and what truly separates top-scoring IB students from everyone else.
Quick Start Checklist
- How IB grades are actually awarded
- Why popularity does not cap top grades
- What changes in high-enrolment subjects
- Why students misinterpret competition
- How to maximise your chance of a 7 in any subject
How the IB Awards a 7
IB grading is criterion-based, not relative.
This means:
- You are not competing directly against other students
- There is no fixed number of 7s per subject
- Meeting the highest criteria earns the highest grade
If your work meets the descriptors for a 7, you receive a 7 — regardless of how many students took the subject alongside you.
Popularity does not limit how many students can score highly.
Why Popular Subjects Feel More Competitive
Although grading is not relative, popular subjects feel more competitive for good reasons.
In high-enrolment subjects:
- Examiners see thousands of similar answers
- Generic responses are filtered out quickly
- Weak structure stands out immediately
- Precision becomes essential
This creates the illusion that fewer 7s are available, when in reality the standards are simply applied more strictly.
The Real Reason Students Miss 7s in Popular Subjects
Students rarely miss a 7 because “too many people took the subject.”
They miss 7s because of:
- Vague analysis
- Poor structure
- Ignoring command terms
- Memorised content without application
- Weak conclusions and evaluations
In popular subjects, these mistakes are extremely common — which is why students who correct them rise quickly to the top.
Are 7s Easier in Less Popular Subjects?
Not automatically.
Less popular subjects can make it easier to stand out, but they do not lower standards. You still need to:
- Fully meet top-level descriptors
- Show depth, accuracy, and evaluation
- Apply concepts precisely
Students who assume niche subjects are an “easy path” to a 7 are often disappointed.
What Actually Increases Your Chance of a 7
Across all IB subjects, the same habits consistently produce top grades:
- Deep understanding of assessment criteria
- Practising examiner-style questions
- Structuring answers clearly and efficiently
- Addressing the exact wording of the question
- Reviewing and acting on feedback
These habits matter far more than subject popularity.
Why Avoiding Popular Subjects Is a Mistake
Many students avoid popular subjects out of fear — and end up worse off.
Avoiding a subject you enjoy often leads to:
- Lower motivation
- Inconsistent effort
- Weaker engagement
- Poorer long-term performance
Students perform best in subjects they care about, even if those subjects are widely taken.
How RevisionDojo Helps Students Reach a 7
RevisionDojo is designed to help students break through the exact barriers that stop most students from scoring 7s.
RevisionDojo helps by:
- Teaching students how examiners think
- Breaking down markschemes clearly
- Showing what top-level responses look like
- Eliminating vague, generic answers
- Reinforcing structure and evaluation
In popular subjects especially, precision is what separates a 6 from a 7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 7s capped in popular IB subjects?
No. The IB does not cap the number of top grades. Any student who meets the highest criteria earns a 7.
Why do so many students get stuck at a 5 or 6?
Most students plateau due to weak structure or shallow analysis. These issues are correctable with targeted practice and feedback.
Is it smarter to choose niche subjects for higher grades?
Only if the subject suits your strengths and interests. Grade outcomes depend on preparation, not strategy alone.
Final Thoughts
Subject popularity does not reduce your chance of scoring a 7. What reduces your chances is misunderstanding how marks are awarded and relying on instinct instead of technique.
Students who learn how to answer questions precisely, structure responses effectively, and practise consistently succeed in both popular and unpopular subjects. With the right approach — and the right support — a 7 is always achievable.
That is exactly why RevisionDojo exists.
