Receiving a predicted score of 40 in the International Baccalaureate (IB) is a remarkable academic achievement. It’s a clear indicator that you’re among the best students globally and that you’re fully equipped to succeed at top universities around the world.
What a Predicted 40 Means in the IB Program
Global Ranking and Percentile
A predicted IB score of 40 places you in the top 7–10% of IB students globally. Considering that the worldwide average IB score hovers around 30–32, a 40 is elite.
Breakdown of Typical Subject Scores
A 40-point prediction usually includes:
- Three HL subjects with 6s or 7s
- Three SL subjects with 6s or 5s
- 2–3 bonus points from TOK and EE
This combination reflects strong academic performance across a broad range of disciplines.
Why Top Universities Value a 40 Predicted IB Score
Ivy League and Top 20 U.S. Schools
Universities like Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, and MIT often look for IB scores in the 38–45 range. A predicted 40 shows:
- Strong academic readiness
- Ability to handle university-level coursework
- Mature thinking (demonstrated in EE and TOK)
UK and Canadian University Equivalents
In the UK, schools like Oxford, Cambridge, and LSE typically require:
- Predicted scores of 38–42
- HL subject requirements (e.g., HL Math for Engineering)
In Canada, a 40 often translates to a 96–98% GPA, qualifying you for competitive programs at U of T, McGill, and UBC.
40+ Predicted IB Score and Scholarship Opportunities
Early Admission Advantages
Many schools offer early decision or early action—a 40 predicted score can significantly increase your chances of early acceptance.
Merit-Based Financial Aid
Some U.S. universities (like Boston University, NYU, and USC) offer scholarships based on academic excellence. A 40+ score puts you in prime position.
How a 40 Predicted Score Reflects Your IB Profile
Academic Rigor in HL Subjects
Strong HL scores show depth in core fields. For instance:
- HL Math AA and HL Physics for STEM
- HL English and HL History for Humanities
Extended Essay and TOK Mastery
A/B grades in these areas show:
- Critical thinking
- Research ability
- A global, analytical mindset valued by top schools
What’s the Difference Between a 40 Predicted and a 40 Final?
Predicted Grades vs Final Grades in IB
- Predicted: Based on internal assessments, mock exams, and teacher evaluations.
- Final: Determined after external exams and IA moderation.
Maintaining Performance from Prediction to Exam
Use your 40 prediction as a baseline—then aim to exceed it:
- Revise with past paper simulations.
- Refine IA and EE based on feedback.
- Practice TOK arguments and claims for clarity and depth.
Real Student Pathways: What a Predicted 40 Can Unlock
Real Admissions Success Stories
Students with 40s have gone on to:
- MIT for Computer Science
- Oxford for PPE
- NYU Stern for Finance
- McGill for Life Sciences
Fields and Majors That Value High IB Scores
A 40 predicted score is especially beneficial if applying to:
- Medicine or Pre-Med programs
- Engineering and Data Science
- Law, International Relations, or Economics
How to Go From 40 Predicted to 43+ With Revisiondojo
Focused HL Topic Review
Target HL questions from official past papers to reinforce exam confidence.
Exam Practice and Mock Assessment Tools
Revisiondojo provides:
- Timed paper simulations
- Markscheme-aligned feedback
- Visual analytics of progress
Bonus Point Strategy (EE + TOK)
- Analyze top-scoring essays.
- Follow IB criteria exactly.
- Use Revisiondojo's essay planners and peer review options.
👉 Start now with Revisiondojo
FAQs: Predicted IB Score of 40
Is 40 predicted enough for Ivy League schools?
Yes. It puts you in the competitive range—strong essays and extracurriculars will complete your profile.
How rare is a 40 in IB?
Roughly 7% of students worldwide score 40 or above in final results. Predicted 40s are similarly uncommon.
What subjects should I take to get a 40?
Pick HL subjects you excel in. For example, HL Maths and HL Chemistry for STEM; HL History and HL Literature for humanities.
Can Revisiondojo help me get to 42 or higher?
Yes—with focused revision, paper practice, and strategy planners, students often gain 2–3 points from their predicted to final score.
Conclusion: Celebrate Your 40—And Aim Even Higher
A predicted IB score of 40 is a strong academic milestone that opens doors to top-tier universities, scholarships, and prestigious programs. Whether you maintain it or push to 43+, you’ve proven your readiness for academic excellence.
🎓 Want to push from 40 to 42 or 45?
Try Revisiondojo—your AI-powered platform for IB revision, strategy, and subject mastery.
