Achieving an International Baccalaureate (IB) Score of 45: Fact or Fiction, and How to Aim for It

Achieving an International Baccalaureate (IB) Score of 45: Fact or Fiction, and How to Aim for It

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, a globally recognised academic programme, awards a maximum score of 45 points. To achieve this exceptional score, a student must demonstrate exceptional performance across all components of the programme.

Each subject in the programme is graded on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest), and a student must score a 7 in each of the six subjects, contributing a total of up to 42 points. This means that a student needs to excel in every subject to secure 42 points.

In addition to the 42 points from the six subjects, a student can earn up to 3 additional points from the combined performance in the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course and the Extended Essay (EE). These two components encourage critical thinking and independent research, and a student's performance in these areas can significantly impact their overall score.

However, the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) requirements are mandatory for the diploma but do not contribute points. These requirements aim to foster well-roundedness and a commitment to service in students.

In essence, to receive a perfect 45, a student must achieve a grade 7 for all six subjects (42 points), attain the full 3 points in the combined Extended Essay and TOK assessment, and complete CAS satisfactorily.

Achieving a score of 45 is exceedingly rare and reflects exceptional performance across all components of the IB Diploma Programme. In 2020, roughly 0.34% of all diploma candidates scored a perfect 45.

The process of achieving a 45 demands subject excellence in six academic disciplines, exceptional essays, and strong time management. Practicing past papers, especially in High Level (HL) subjects, can help earn the 7 points needed for a 45 score. Strategically choosing subjects can also help balance strengths and university requirements.

Scoring a 45 is considered the ultimate academic achievement in IB, indicating high performance, consistency, and depth. While aiming for a 45 score is encouraged, focusing on learning and growth is more important. Scoring 42 is already extraordinary and opens many doors.

In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the May 2020 IB session was cancelled globally. Students were assessed using a calculated grades system based on teacher-predicted grades, internal assessments, and historical school performance. This system aimed to maintain a high standard while accommodating the unusual circumstances.

For students aiming for a 45, prioritising the Extended Essay (EE) and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) early is crucial. Services like RevisionDojo offer custom feedback on TOK, EE, and IAs, as well as strategies for mastering past papers and learning from top students' schedules.

Using a study plan can help students track their progress, avoid burnout, and ensure balance. Strategic performance, not perfection, across assessments is the key to achieving a high score in IB.

Engaging in online education platforms can provide additional resources for mastering past papers and learning from top students' schedules, thereby enhancing a student's performance in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Education-and-self-development through learning is crucial for a student aiming for the perfect 45 score, but it's equally important to focus on personal growth and explore options like online-education.

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