Scoring 40+ points in the IB has become almost mythical. Social media highlights, school posters, and alumni stories can make it feel like these scores are more common than they really are — and that anything less is a disappointment.
The reality is very different.
This article explains how many students actually score 40+ points in the IB, why the number is smaller than most people expect, and why chasing a realistic, well-earned score is far healthier — and often more successful — than obsessing over elite totals.
Quick Start Checklist
- How rare 40+ IB scores really are
- Why students overestimate top-end performance
- What separates 40+ scorers from everyone else
- Why aiming “lower” can produce better outcomes
- How to set realistic, strategic goals
How Common Are 40+ IB Scores?
In a typical IB session, fewer than 10% of students worldwide score 40 points or above. In many years, the proportion is even smaller.
That means:
- Over 90% of IB students score below 40
- Many excellent, high-performing students never reach this threshold
- A 40+ score places a student in a very small global minority
This context is often missing from online discussions.
Why Students Think 40+ Is More Common Than It Is
Students regularly overestimate how many people score 40+ because of visibility bias.
High scores are:
- Publicly celebrated
- Shared disproportionately on social media
- Highlighted by schools for marketing
- Remembered more vividly than average outcomes
Meanwhile, the vast majority of strong but non-elite results are invisible.
This creates a distorted sense of what is “normal.”
What It Actually Takes to Score 40+
Students who score 40+ almost always share several characteristics:
- Consistently strong performance across all subjects
- Very few weak areas
- High core points
- Excellent time management
- Deep understanding of assessment criteria
These students are not just good at one subject — they are good at managing the entire Diploma simultaneously.
Why Chasing 40+ Can Backfire
For many students, fixating on a 40+ target is counterproductive.
Common problems include:
- Burnout from unrealistic expectations
- Neglecting weaker subjects
- Perfectionism replacing progress
- Constant comparison with others
Ironically, this mindset often lowers final scores.
A Healthier Way to Think About High Scores
Instead of asking “Can I get 40+?”, better questions are:
- How can I improve consistency across subjects?
- Where am I losing easy marks?
- Which skills would raise multiple grades at once?
- How can I secure core points reliably?
Many students who end up scoring very highly did not start with 40+ as their primary focus.
Why Scores in the Mid-30s Are Strong
Scores in the mid-30s represent excellent performance for most IB students.
They often reflect:
- Demanding subject combinations
- Strong Higher Level results
- Solid core points
- Good academic balance
Many universities view these scores very favourably, especially when aligned with subject choices and consistency.
What Matters More Than the 40+ Label
Universities and outcomes depend far more on:
- Meeting offer requirements
- Subject relevance
- Grade consistency
- Academic skills demonstrated
A well-balanced 36–38 can be far more powerful than a fragile 40 built on extreme pressure.
How RevisionDojo Helps Students Maximise Their Score
RevisionDojo helps students focus on controllable improvements rather than unrealistic benchmarks.
RevisionDojo supports students by:
- Identifying where marks are being lost
- Teaching high-impact exam technique
- Improving structure and clarity across subjects
- Helping students raise multiple grades simultaneously
- Supporting sustainable, long-term progress
This approach raises ceilings without destroying motivation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is scoring 40+ necessary for top universities?
No. Many top universities accept students well below 40, depending on subject mix and programme requirements.
Should I aim for 40+ anyway?
Ambition is healthy, but goals should be flexible. Focus on improving performance rather than chasing a fixed number.
Does failing to reach 40 mean I’ve underperformed?
Not at all. Most strong IB students score below 40. Context and consistency matter far more than an arbitrary threshold.
Final Thoughts
Scoring 40+ points in the IB is genuinely rare. It reflects exceptional consistency across a demanding programme — not a standard expectation.
Students perform best when they focus on steady improvement, smart strategy, and understanding how marks are earned. When that happens, strong scores follow naturally — whether or not they cross an arbitrary line.
That mindset is exactly what RevisionDojo is built to support.
