✅ Quick Answer: Yes, It’s Possible—But Extremely Rare
Achieving a 45/45 on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is absolutely possible, but it's an accomplishment that fewer than 1% of IB students worldwide manage each year.
This score reflects flawless performance across:
- Six academic subjects (all 7s)
- The Extended Essay (EE)
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
- Completion of CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service)
🎯 What Does a 45 in IB Mean?
A perfect IB score is calculated as:
- 6 subjects × max 7 points = 42 points
- TOK + EE combined = up to 3 bonus points
- Total = 45 points
To get a 45, a student must:
- Score 7s in all six subjects (including HL and SL)
- Earn 3 bonus points (usually via A in both TOK and EE)
📊 How Common Is a 45 in IB?
🌍 Global Statistics
- On average, only 0.5%–1% of all IB diploma candidates score a 45 each year
- That’s about 2,000–3,000 students globally out of 180,000+ candidates
🧠 What Type of Student Achieves a 45?
Traits often seen in top IB scorers:
- Consistent, disciplined study habits
- Strong analytical and writing skills
- Mastery of exam techniques, including past paper practice
- High-level performance in both academics and time management
- Deep engagement in CAS and meaningful EE topics
📘 Tips to Aim for a 45 (or Close)
- Know the Rubrics and Command Terms
- Understand exactly how your work will be assessed.
- Maximize IA Scores
- Internal assessments are more controllable than final exams.
- Master Past Papers
- Use them to predict trends and practice marking schemes.
- Strategize TOK and EE
- These bonus points can tip you over into 45 territory.
- Use Professional Resources
- Platforms like RevisionDojo offer exam prep, HL/SL walkthroughs, and IA/TOK/EE templates.
🚀 Get Closer to a 45 with RevisionDojo
Even if you're aiming for a 40+, tools from RevisionDojo can help you:
- ✅ Improve exam writing and analysis
- ✅ Maximize IA and EE outcomes
- ✅ Target higher HL subject performance
- ✅ Learn from real 45-score case studies
👉 Visit RevisionDojo to access expert-level IB support and raise your scoring potential.
❓ FAQs: The 45 in IB
How many people get a 45 in IB?
Roughly 1 in 100 candidates, or about 2,000–3,000 students globally each year.
Can you get into top universities without a 45?
Yes—many elite universities accept students with scores of 38–42, depending on HL subjects and other factors.
Is it worth trying for a 45?
Absolutely. Even if you fall short, striving for 45 pushes you into the 40+ club, which is still exceptional.
Final Verdict:
Yes, a 45 is possible—but rare. It takes focus, planning, and consistent effort. Whether you reach 45 or not, aiming for it can dramatically improve your IB performance and open global university doors.
