If you're applying to university with the International Baccalaureate (IB), your predicted grades can play a major role in the admissions process—especially for early or conditional offers. But can you be rejected based on predicted grades alone?
The short answer is: yes, you can. However, it's more nuanced than it sounds. This article explains when predicted grades matter most, how they’re used by universities, and what you can do if yours fall short.
Why Do Predicted Grades Matter?
- For most universities—especially in the UK, Canada, and parts of Europe—admissions offers are made before final IB results are released.
- That means predicted grades serve as a proxy for your final performance.
- Universities use them to determine whether you’re likely to meet their entry requirements.
When Can Predicted Grades Lead to a Rejection?
1. You Don’t Meet the Minimum Entry Requirements
- If a course requires 38 points with 6s in HL subjects, and your prediction is 34 with 5s, you may be automatically filtered out.
2. You Fall Below the Subject-Level Thresholds
- Some degrees (e.g., Engineering, Medicine, Law) require specific HL subject grades.
- A 4 in HL Chemistry when 6 is required can lead to rejection—even with a strong total score.
3. You Apply to Competitive Programs
- Top universities (e.g., Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, UCL, Imperial) receive thousands of applications with predicted 40+ points.
- Falling even 1–2 points short may result in rejection during the first review round.
Can You Still Get In If Your Predictions Are Low?
Yes—but it depends on:
- Your overall application: strong personal statement, references, extracurriculars
- University policies: some schools make contextual offers for students from underrepresented backgrounds
- Your country: US colleges often care less about predictions and more about transcripts, essays, and holistic review
- Final results: In some regions, you can apply after final results or through Clearing if you exceed expectations
What Else Do Universities Consider Besides Predicted Grades?
- Personal statement or motivation letter
- Teacher recommendations
- Extra-curriculars, leadership, and CAS involvement
- Extended Essay and TOK performance
- Admissions tests or interviews (for selective programs)
In some countries, like the US, Germany, or the Netherlands, universities weigh these elements alongside or even above predicted grades.
What to Do If You’re Worried About Low Predicted Grades
1. Speak to Your Teacher Respectfully
- Ask what you can do to improve your prediction before submission
- Show evidence of recent improvements or commitment
2. Apply Strategically
- Choose a range of universities with flexible requirements
- Include some “reach” and “safety” schools based on your profile
3. Improve Your Final Grades
- Even if your predicted grades don’t get you in now, you can retake exams, or reapply with final results
- Use ethical prep platforms like RevisionDojo to raise your performance before May exams
Why RevisionDojo Can Help If You’re Facing Predicted Grade Pressure
RevisionDojo supports IB students by offering:
- Guided practice for all subjects (HL & SL)
- Step-by-step IB-style past paper solutions
- Progress trackers to target weak areas
- Ethical and exam-aligned revision strategies
- Tools to help you improve before final results are in
Try it here: RevisionDojo IB Preparation Tools
FAQs About Predicted Grades and University Rejection
Q1: Can UK universities reject me just for low predicted grades?
Yes—especially if your predictions are below the course entry minimum.
Q2: Do US universities care about predicted IB grades?
Not as much. They focus on transcripts, GPA, essays, and a holistic view.
Q3: What if I exceed my predicted grades later?
You can apply during Clearing, take a gap year, or appeal if the university has flexible policies.
Q4: Can teachers change predicted grades?
Sometimes, yes—especially if you demonstrate growth before the submission deadline.
Q5: Should I still apply if my predictions are a bit low?
Yes. Many students still get offers, especially with strong overall applications.
Q6: What if I get rejected?
Rejection isn’t the end. Explore Clearing, other programs, or prepare to reapply stronger.
Final Thoughts: Predicted Grades Matter—But They Don’t Define You
Yes, universities can reject you based on predicted grades alone. But that’s not the whole story. Your IB journey is about more than numbers, and you still have time, tools, and opportunities to change the narrative.
Use your predicted grades as motivation—not discouragement. With the right preparation, strategy, and support (like RevisionDojo), you can exceed expectations and write your own success story.
