What Is a 45 in the IB DP?
A perfect 45 in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) represents:
- 42 points from six subjects (each graded 1–7)
- 3 bonus points from the Extended Essay (EE) and Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
To achieve this, a student needs near-perfect or perfect marks in every subject, plus top scores in the core.
How Rare Is a 45 in IB?
- Globally, only 1–2% of students score a 45 each year.
- In 2023, about 2,600 out of ~180,000 students hit the mark.
- 45s are more common in:
- Schools with strong IB support systems
- Students who have done MYP or other pre-IB prep
- HL-heavy combinations in subjects with higher historical grade boundaries
Traits of Students Who Score 45
These students don’t all come from elite schools or genius backgrounds. What they share is:
- 🔁 Consistency: Staying disciplined every week, not just before exams
- 🧠 Self-awareness: Knowing how they learn best and when to seek help
- 🛠️ Resourcefulness: Using examiner reports, mark schemes, and study tools
- 😌 Emotional Regulation: They don’t panic under pressure—and they schedule breaks
Common Myths About Scoring 45
❌ “You need to be a genius.”
False. Many 45 scorers describe themselves as average students who learned how to work smart.
❌ “Only international schools produce 45s.”
Wrong. Public school students from all over the world—India, Canada, Kenya, Colombia—achieve 45s.
❌ “It’s about luck.”
Partial truth. While test-day factors play a role, long-term preparation is key.
Challenges to Getting a 45
- Every point counts: A few lost marks on an IA or Paper 2 can make the difference
- EE and TOK pressure: A B grade here can block you from bonus points
- Burnout risk: Many high achievers push too hard too early and collapse by mocks
How to Plan Strategically for a 45
🎯 Smart Subject Selection
- Choose subjects that:
- Align with your strengths
- Have clear past paper trends
- Are well-taught at your school
📅 Year-by-Year Breakdown
- Year 1: Focus on understanding syllabus, IA drafts, and TOK foundations
- Year 2: Lock in EE, start timed practice, and begin exam review early
Study Techniques of IB 45 Scorers
- 📘 Active recall: Flashcards, self-quizzing, teaching others
- 📝 Condensed notes: One-pagers per topic, not textbooks
- 📊 Past papers: Review examiner feedback and time yourself
- 📤 Self-assess: Use rubrics to grade your own essays or IA sections
Real 45/45 Student Stories
“I studied 3 hours/day, but always took Sundays off.” – Sophia (UK)
“My IA drafts were done early—so I could focus on exams stress-free.” – Marcus (Singapore)
“I didn’t study more than others. I just revised better.” – Arjun (India)
They weren’t superhuman—but they stuck to a plan, got help when needed, and avoided perfectionism.
FAQs – Getting a 45 in IB
How many hours a day did 45 scorers study?
2–4 hours during term, 5–6 hours during exam season—with breaks and balance.
Is it worth the pressure?
Only if your goal aligns with it. A 45 is incredible—but so is a 42 with less stress.
Can you still have a life?
Yes—with structure. All 45 scorers make time for rest, hobbies, and social life.
What’s the best way to increase my final score?
- Identify weak points (IA, Paper 2, etc.)
- Study smarter, not longer
- Use feedback and past papers relentlessly
What happens if I score 45?
- Scholarships, early university admission, and sometimes credit
- Personal satisfaction that you’ve mastered an elite program
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