Introduction
Predicted grades play a crucial role in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, especially when it comes to university applications. They serve as a school’s formal estimation of what students are likely to score in their final IB exams. But what happens if you believe your predicted grades don’t reflect your true potential? Can teachers change IB predicted grades?
The answer is yes—but only under certain conditions. This article explores when and how predicted grades can be revised, what factors influence those decisions, and what you as a student can do to affect the outcome.
What Are IB Predicted Grades?
IB predicted grades are estimates provided by your subject teachers, internal supervisors, and coordinators. They are submitted to the IB and universities as part of the application process and are based on a variety of academic factors:
- Classwork and homework
- Internal assessments (IA)
- Mock exam performance
- Engagement and participation
- Historical data and IB subject grade boundaries
Predicted grades are usually finalized in Term 1 of Year 2 of the IBDP, just before university deadlines, and they serve as a proxy for your final grades when universities make conditional offers.
Can Teachers Change Predicted Grades?
Yes—but only before they are officially submitted to the IB and universities.
Before Submission
- Teachers can revise predicted grades if new evidence arises, such as:
- A marked improvement in mock exams
- Submission of outstanding IA drafts
- Demonstrated academic consistency or turnaround
These changes must be justifiable and documented—teachers are accountable to the IB for grade inflation or misalignment with historical performance.
After Submission
- No, predicted grades cannot be changed after submission.
- Most schools have a strict internal deadline, often weeks before the university deadline, to finalize and submit grades.
- Once submitted, these grades are considered final and used by universities for conditional offers.
Why Changes Are Rare
Even though technically possible before submission, changes to predicted grades are rare due to:
- IB Guidelines: Schools must ensure predictions are realistic and not overly optimistic.
- Accountability: Teachers and schools are held responsible if their predictions consistently misalign with actual IB results.
- University Trust: Inflated grades can damage a school’s reputation with universities.
What To Do If You Think Your Predicted Grade Is Unfair
If you feel your predicted grades are too low, here's what you can do before submission:
- Ask for feedback: Approach your teacher respectfully and request clarity on how the grade was determined.
- Submit strong assessments: Excel in your IAs, tests, and mock exams to build evidence for a higher prediction.
- Stay engaged: Demonstrate consistent effort, attend extra help sessions, and actively participate in class.
- Show improvement: If you've struggled earlier, clear improvement can motivate teachers to reconsider your potential.
Avoid directly asking your teacher to “raise” your grade—focus on actions that give them reason to revise their estimate.
Why Predicted Grades Matter
- University Offers: Many universities issue conditional offers based on predicted grades, especially in the UK and Europe.
- Scholarships: Some institutions consider these grades for financial aid decisions.
- IB External Alignment: The IB reviews predicted vs. actual grades to ensure school reliability.
Tools to Improve Predicted Grades
To give yourself the best chance of success:
- Master Internal Assessments (IAs): High-scoring IAs can significantly influence teacher predictions.
- Perform in Mock Exams: These are often your teacher’s final benchmark for your predicted grade.
- Use Expert Platforms: Visit RevisionDojo for curated mock exam practice, subject-specific strategies, and HL-focused tutorials to boost your performance before prediction deadlines.
Key Takeaways
- Yes, teachers can change predicted grades—but only before official submission to the IB or universities.
- No changes are possible once grades are submitted.
- Focus on evidence-based improvement rather than appeals.
- Use platforms like RevisionDojo to strategically improve your academic standing in time.
FAQs
1. When are IB predicted grades usually submitted?
Usually between October and January of Year 2, depending on your school’s deadlines.
2. Can I appeal a predicted grade?
Not formally. You can ask for feedback, but changes are at your teacher’s discretion.
3. Do all universities require predicted grades?
Most UK and EU universities do. Some U.S. schools may look at them informally but focus more on transcripts and essays.
4. Can my final IB grade exceed my predicted grade?
Yes! Your actual performance on exams and IAs can exceed predictions and even secure you a place at university.
5. What if my predicted grade is too low for my dream university?
Apply strategically, including schools with lower entry requirements, and aim to outperform predictions in final exams.
6. Does RevisionDojo help improve predicted grades?
Yes. It provides targeted subject guidance, mock exam prep, and strategy coaching—all critical for excelling before predicted grade deadlines.
Conclusion
Teachers can revise predicted grades, but it's a process bound by deadlines, evidence, and professionalism. Your best strategy? Demonstrate consistent excellence, engage with your learning, and use resources like RevisionDojo to help secure the results you need for your dream university.
