What Are Predicted IB Grades and Why Do They Matter?
Predicted IB grades are estimated final scores submitted by your teachers before you sit your official IB examinations. They are not guesses. They are professional judgments based on sustained evidence of how you are likely to perform under final exam conditions.
These grades are typically based on:
Internal Assessment (IA) performance
Classwork and coursework quality
Mock examination results
Consistency, improvement, and academic engagement
Predicted grades are submitted through university application systems such as UCAS, Common App, and OUAC.
They matter because many universities make decisions before final IB results are released. In competitive systems, predicted grades can determine whether you receive a conditional offer, an interview invitation, or an early rejection.
Global Benchmark: What Is Considered a Good Predicted IB Score?
The global average IB Diploma score sits at approximately 30–31 out of 45. Admissions teams interpret predicted grades relative to this benchmark and to the strength of your subject choices.
A general framework used by universities looks like this:
38–45 Exceptional academic profile. Competitive for the most selective global universities, including Ivy League–level institutions and Oxbridge.
34–37 Strong academic standing. Competitive for top-ranked universities worldwide.
30–33 Solid performance. Meets entry requirements for most universities internationally.
Below 30 Indicates risk. Strategic applications, alternative pathways, or measurable improvement may be required.
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Predicted grades carry the most weight when they demonstrate strength in Higher Level subjects, particularly those relevant to your intended degree.
Evaluating Predicted Grades by Subject Level
Higher Level (HL) Subjects
HL performance is often the single most important academic factor in IB admissions.
Competitive applicants typically present 6s or 7s in at least two HLs
Subject relevance matters more than raw total points
A 6 or 7 in HL Mathematics, Physics, Biology, or Economics is weighted heavily for related degrees
Universities assess whether your HL profile shows readiness for the academic demands of your chosen field.
Standard Level (SL) Subjects
A 5 or above is generally acceptable for most institutions
SL grades are considered with greater flexibility
Consistency matters more than perfection
Admissions officers evaluate the balance of your subjects, not just isolated high scores.
How Predicted Grades Influence University Admissions
UK and Canada: Conditional Offer Systems
In systems such as the UK and Canada, predicted grades play a decisive role.
Offers are made based on predicted results Example: “36 points overall with a 6 in HL Mathematics”
If final IB results do not meet the stated conditions, the offer may be withdrawn
Near misses are sometimes reviewed, but this depends on course demand and availability
Here, predicted grades function as the academic foundation of the offer itself.
United States and Other Holistic Systems
In the US and many international systems:
Predicted grades are used during early and regular application review
Final transcripts and diplomas are assessed later
Essays, recommendations, extracurricular depth, and the Extended Essay also carry significant weight
Predicted grades help universities evaluate academic readiness in the absence of final exam results.
Predicted Grades, Scholarships, and University Credit
Strong predicted grades can influence more than admission.
HL scores of 6 or 7 are often used for:
Merit-based scholarships
Advanced placement or course exemptions
Honors college consideration
In some cases, scholarship decisions are made before final IB results are released, making predicted grades especially important.
What Is a “Good” Predicted Score by Destination?
United States (Highly Selective Universities)
Typical predicted range: 38–45
HL subjects aligned with intended major
TOK and EE bonus points add academic credibility
United Kingdom (UCL, LSE, Oxford)
Typical predicted range: 36–40
Subject-specific HL requirements are critical
Offers often include explicit grade conditions
Canada (Toronto, McGill)
Typical predicted range: 30–36
Some institutions accept course certificates
Diploma candidates are often prioritized
Europe, Asia, Australia
Typical range: 28–36, depending on institution
A full diploma with 30+ points is widely respected
What to Do If Your Predicted Grades Are Lower Than Expected
Speak With Your IB Coordinator or Teachers
If you believe your predicted grades do not reflect your ability:
Request a professional review
Provide concrete evidence such as improved IA drafts or mock results
Demonstrate a clear upward academic trend
Predicted grades are rarely changed without justification, but they are not immune to revision.
Refine Your Academic Strategy
Focus on subjects where small improvements can raise your total score
Prioritize HL subjects and coursework-heavy components
Use markschemes, examiner reports, and syllabus checklists deliberately
Apply Strategically
Include universities with a range of score requirements
Apply early where your predictions are strongest
Consider foundation years or transfer pathways as contingency options
Lower predictions narrow options, but they do not eliminate them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Predicted IB Grades
Do predicted grades guarantee admission? No. They influence offers, but final results remain decisive.
Can predicted grades be changed? Not directly, but they can be reconsidered if new academic evidence is provided.
What if final IB results exceed predictions? This can strengthen your position, help meet conditions comfortably, or unlock additional opportunities.
Are TOK and EE bonus points included in predictions? Sometimes, but universities vary in how heavily they weigh them at the offer stage.
How do admissions officers evaluate predicted grades? They assess them within the context of your school, subject rigor, and overall academic profile.
Is it worth applying with lower predicted grades? Yes, provided your application list is balanced and your final exam potential is strong.
Planning Predicted Grade Strategy With RevisionDojo
Predicted grades set the trajectory, but they do not define the endpoint.
RevisionDojo supports IB students by helping them:
Interpret predicted grades realistically
Match academic profiles to appropriate universities
Strengthen IAs, TOK, and the Extended Essay to protect final scores
Build targeted study plans for May or November sessions
Predicted grades are not a judgment of potential. They are a planning tool. Used correctly, they allow you to make informed, strategic decisions about what comes next.
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