Is scoring a perfect 45 in the IBDP just a dream? It may seem impossible, but a handful of students achieve it every year.
According to the IB diploma statistics bulletin for 2024, 18.4% percentage of IB students who get 45 points in 2021. However, by 2023 and 2024, that IB percentage had dropped significantly, with only around 9% of students reaching the top score range.
So, you might be wondering—are these students superhuman? Do they even sleep?
The truth is, they aren’t superhuman at all. These students have simply mastered the balance between hard work and smart strategies. Scoring a perfect 45 in the IB Diploma may seem like a distant goal, but it’s within reach if you know how to approach it.
It’s not about studying endlessly; it’s about using your time wisely, understanding what examiners expect, and maintaining your mental well-being along the way.
By the end of this blog, you’ll know exactly how to score a perfect 45 in the IB Diploma, improve your IB points, and increase your chances of joining the top percentage of IB students.
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Mastering the IB DP with a Score of Perfect 45
1. Understand the IB Grading Structure
To aim for the max IB score of 45, you need to understand the IB score distribution. The final IB program grades are based on six subjects, each scored out of 7, contributing a total of 42 points.
The final 3 points come from your Extended Essay (EE) and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) assessments. Knowing how many points you need for the IB diploma is crucial. Moreover, how to find IB scores and track your progress can help you adjust your study techniques along the way.
2. Set Clear, Measurable Goals
The journey to a perfect 45/45 IB begins with setting specific academic goals. If you want to hit the top range of IB points, prioritize achieving 7s in each of your subjects.
Breaking it down into achievable goals, like mastering specific topics or assignments can help stay focused and maintain motivation.
3. Time Management is Everything
Many top scorers emphasize that achieving high IB scores isn’t about studying all day—it’s about smart study. One common mistake is spending too much time on one subject.
Divide your time across subjects based on your weaknesses and allocate periods for revision, practice papers, and relaxation.
For Example! It’s recommended to focus on reviewing the most challenging subjects first. This helps prevent burnout and ensures that you cover more material efficiently. Implement tools like planners or time-management apps to keep yourself on track. |
4. Utilize High-Quality Study Resources
Another key to scoring 45/45 in IB is having access to excellent study materials. Use official IB curriculum resources such as the subject guides, past papers, and examination reports to familiarize yourself with what examiners are looking for. These resources give insight into common mistakes and highlight how to structure your responses to score top marks.
FYI! Consider the benefits of tutoring services or online platforms for extra help. Like IB Innovators offer personalized coaching from experienced tutors. These services help students grasp complex concepts and improve their exam techniques, ensuring they stay on track for their desired IB scores. |
5. Stay Organized
For many students, the road to a perfect DP score is all about staying organized. Keep your notes well-structured and plan revision sessions effectively. Having clear, concise notes will also make it easier to review closer to exam time.
Students who achieve high IB program grades often have a system for revising each subject, whether it’s through flashcards, summaries, or mind maps.
6. Master Time-Sensitive Exams
A huge component of the IB Diploma Program is exam performance. To boost your IB points and aim for a top IB score out of 7 in your IB Exam, practicing under timed conditions is essential.
Take mock exams and set a time limit for each practice paper, so you can train yourself to complete questions within the exam’s time frame. Doing this will help you improve both your speed and accuracy under pressure.
7. Don’t Neglect Internal Assessments
While exams are crucial, don’t overlook Internal Assessments (IAs). IAs are worth a significant portion of your grade and are graded by your teachers.
Allocate time to research, plan, and complete your IAs to the best of your ability—it’s a chance to boost your overall grade before final exams.
Also, be sure to check how your school moderates these assignments to align with what IB examiners are looking for.
8. Take Care of Your Mental Health
Balancing the academic demands of the IB Diploma with mental well-being is key to achieving success. Top scorers often talk about the importance of maintaining a balance between work and relaxation.
This doesn’t just mean taking breaks but also having a healthy lifestyle—eating well, exercising, and making time for friends and family.
Having a well-rounded lifestyle contributes to your mental clarity, allowing you to study more effectively and reduce stress. Without proper self-care, the road to scoring a 45/45 IB can lead to burnout, affecting your performance in the final exams.
9. Practice TOK and EE Approaches
Don’t underestimate the importance of your TOK essay and Extended Essay. Combined, these two tasks are worth up to 3 points toward your final IB score.
Many students who achieve a perfect score often attribute part of their success to excelling in these areas. The key is to choose a topic you’re genuinely interested in, as this will keep you motivated throughout the research process.
Ensure that your TOK and EE essays are well-structured, meet the IB’s criteria, and are reviewed by your teachers for feedback. Getting those extra 3 points can be what pushes you into the max IB score territory.
10. Learn from Top Scorers
One of the best ways to learn how to score 45/45 in IB is by listening to those who’ve already done it. Several online resources feature interviews and tips from former top scorers. These students share insights on how they balanced their workload, tackled exams, and stayed motivated.
Many top scorers say that a lot of their success came down to mindset. They treated challenges as opportunities to grow and were flexible in their study approaches.
They also practiced self-discipline, ensuring that they stayed consistent with their revision schedule while taking time to recharge when needed.
Wrap Up!
At the end of the day, achieving a perfect IB 45 isn’t just for the gifted—it’s for those who work hard and approach the program with smart strategies.
While the percentage of IB students who get 45 may be small, it’s clear that with the right tools, resources, and mindset, scoring the maximum IB score is achievable.
In this blog, we’ve covered the essential tips on how to balance your time, utilize effective resources, and stay mentally healthy throughout your IB journey.
By applying these principles, you can maximize your potential and work toward a perfect score.
Interested in learning more? Check out our other blogs for additional insights.
FAQs
Log into the IB Candidate Results platform using your credentials to find and track your IB scores. Schools will usually provide the login details after exams. You can track your progress by reviewing subject-specific scores and performance in Internal Assessments (IAs), TOK, and the Extended Essay (EE). This allows you to gauge how close you are to your target score.
For official updates on results, always check with your IB coordinator.
A good IB score generally depends on your goals and the requirements of the universities you are applying to. In the IB Diploma Programme, scores range from 24 to 45, with 24 being the minimum to pass and 45 being the maximum.
35-38 points are considered very good and can qualify you for the most competitive universities globally.
40+ points are excellent and place you in the top tier of students, potentially opening doors to elite institutions.
45 points is the perfect score, achieved by less than 1% of students worldwide.
Ultimately, what qualifies as a “good” IB score depends on your inspirations and the entry requirements for your desired courses or universities.
IB Innovators provides personalized tutoring from experienced IB tutors who specialize in guiding students toward top scores, including the elusive 45/45 IB.
The tutors understand the demands of the IB Diploma Program and offer targeted strategies to improve your IB points, focusing on mastering subject content, effective time management, and exam techniques.
IB Innovators excels in helping students improve their IB program grades by offering personalized tutoring tailored to individual strengths and weaknesses.
Our tutors provide guidance on everything from exam techniques to managing stress, ensuring students are well-prepared for both Internal Assessments and final exams.
