Achieving A in 4 subjects in A Levels* and 45 points in the IBDP are both incredibly challenging, but statistically and structurally, it is generally considered easier to get A in 4 A Level subjects*

1. Statistical Perspective

• A Levels:

  • Around 25-30% of students achieve an A* in their chosen subjects, depending on the subject and region.

  • Focusing on 4 subjects allows students to tailor their strengths and maximize their grades in areas they excel at.

• IBDP:

  • Scoring a perfect 45/45 is rare, with less than 1% of students globally achieving it.

  • You need near-perfect performance across 6 subjects and core components (TOK, EE, and CAS), requiring consistent excellence across disciplines.

2. Structural Differences

• A Levels:

  • Fewer subjects mean you can allocate more time to mastering each.

  • You have the flexibility to drop subjects you find difficult.

  • Success depends heavily on excelling in final exams, so if you’re good at exam prep, you can perform well.

• IBDP:

  • Requires proficiency across 6 subjects, including areas you might not naturally excel in (e.g., a math student still needs to take a language and humanities subject).

  • You must score well not only in final exams but also in coursework, the Extended Essay, and TOK, which demand critical thinking and long-term effort.

3. Grading Criteria

• A Levels:

  • Graded subject-by-subject; each subject is independent.

  • If you underperform in one subject, it doesn’t impact your grades in others.

  • Getting an A* requires a consistent high score (often 90% or higher in exams).

• IBDP:

  • Points are cumulative, so a weak performance in one subject can drag down your overall score.

  • The 3 Core Points from TOK and EE are critical—losing these makes it impossible to hit 45.

4. Workload

• A Levels:

  • Workload is concentrated on fewer subjects.

  • Most of the effort is in preparing for the final exams.

• IBDP:

  • Balancing 6 subjects, plus TOK, EE, and CAS, requires strong time-management skills.

  • Continuous assessments (Internal Assessments) add to the workload.

5. Flexibility

• A Levels:

  • You choose subjects based on your strengths, allowing specialization.

  • Example: A STEM-focused student can avoid languages or humanities entirely.

• IBDP:

  • Mandatory subjects ensure breadth, which can be a challenge if you’re weaker in certain areas.

  • Example: A STEM student must still take a second language and a humanities subject.

Which is Easier?

• Getting 4 A*s in A Levels is generally easier because:

  • You focus on fewer subjects and can play to your strengths.

  • Success is based on excelling in exams, without the added complexity of core components like TOK, EE, and CAS.

• Scoring 45/45 in IBDP is harder because:

  • You need to excel across diverse subjects and core components.

  • It demands consistent performance in coursework, exams, and extracurriculars.

Final Thought

If your goal is purely to achieve top grades with less risk, A Levels offer a clearer and more focused path to success. However, if you thrive in a holistic, interdisciplinary environment and enjoy challenges, the IBDP might still suit you better.