The Reality of Scoring 45
Let me start by saying this: scoring 45 in the IB is not about being a genius. It's about being strategic, consistent, and knowing exactly what the IB wants from you.
I achieved a perfect score in May 2023, and looking back, I can identify the specific strategies that made the difference. This isn't about working harder—it's about working smarter.
My Subject Combination
For context, here were my subjects: - HL: Mathematics AA, Physics, Economics - SL: English Language & Literature, Spanish B, Geography
Plus the core: Extended Essay (Physics), TOK, and CAS.
Strategy 1: Understand the Mark Schemes First
This was my biggest revelation. Before I started studying any topic in depth, I would read through past paper mark schemes. Not to memorise answers, but to understand:
- What keywords examiners are looking for
- How many points each question expects
- The difference between a 6/7 answer and a 4/5 answer
Practical tip: For each subject, create a "command term" cheat sheet. Know exactly what "evaluate" requires vs "describe" vs "analyse."
Strategy 2: The 3-Week Revision Cycle
I didn't cram. Instead, I followed a spaced repetition approach:
- . **Week 1**: Learn new content, make notes
- . **Week 2**: Review and condense notes into flashcards
- . **Week 3**: Practice past papers on that topic
By the time exams came, I had cycled through each topic at least 3 times.
Strategy 3: Past Papers Are Everything
I cannot stress this enough. In my final year, I completed: - Every available past paper from 2015-2023 - Each paper at least twice (once untimed, once timed) - Full mark scheme analysis after each attempt
The IB recycles question styles. Once you've seen 50 questions on a topic, there are no surprises.
Strategy 4: The Internal Assessment Sweet Spot
IAs and the Extended Essay contribute 50% of your grade indirectly through predicted grades and directly through final marks. I spent disproportionate time on these:
- Started my EE in the summer before Year 2
- Had multiple drafts reviewed by teachers
- Chose topics I was genuinely curious about
Strategy 5: Sleep and Exercise Are Non-Negotiable
This sounds cliché, but I maintained: - 7-8 hours of sleep every night - 30 minutes of exercise daily - One full day off per week
Burnout is real. A tired brain doesn't retain information.
The Mental Game
Finally, mindset matters. I stopped comparing myself to others and focused on my own progress. I celebrated small wins—finishing a past paper, understanding a difficult concept, improving my essay structure.
The 45 was the result of hundreds of small, consistent efforts. Not one big breakthrough.
Your Turn
If you're aiming for 45 (or any high score), start with these questions: 1. Do I understand what examiners actually want? 2. Am I practicing with real past papers? 3. Am I taking care of my physical and mental health?
The IB is a marathon, not a sprint. Plan accordingly.
*Questions about specific subjects? Drop them in the comments or book a consultation with our tutors.*