Is It Actually Possible to Get a 45 on the IB Exam? [Reality Check & Success Plan]

RevisionDojo
4 min read

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

Unlock the 45 Strategy With RevisionDojo’s Elite Coaching

🎯 Want to follow a 45-point roadmap? RevisionDojo connects you with:

  • 🧑‍🏫 Tutors who scored 45/45
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👉 Visit RevisionDojo to map out your perfect-score strategy today.

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