Is it possible to charm/intimidate The Illusive Man on Mars with only an imported ME2 character?

I just started my second playthrough of ME3 with a second ME2 imported character, and on Mars, I still didn't pass the rep check for The Illusive Man. My Paragon bar was basically full in ME2 (I passed the Morinth check). I started with total rep slightly below the first tick, which I assume is what's required to pass that rep check, and quickly surpassed it during my first visit to the Citadel. My question is how can I make up the difference before speaking with The Illusive Man, or is it even possible in my case? Is it only possible with an imported ME3 save?

Solution 1:

Its possible to do it with an imported ME2 save, I just did it recently on a new playthrough. I didn't check to see what my rep was at the time, but all I know is I was able to choose the paragon option.

Also, you may want to consider going back to redo this choice if you can:

In order to persuade the illusive man at the end of the game you'll need to have passed every paragon/renegade check in the game with him, this one also counts.