A Guide for IB Students Navigating University Admissions
If you’re an International Baccalaureate (IB) student wondering, “Can I improve my predicted grades after they’re sent to universities?” — you’re not alone. Predicted grades can feel like the deciding factor for your academic future, especially in countries like the UK and Canada. But is there anything you can do once they’ve been submitted? The short answer is: maybe — but it depends on your school and the universities you're applying to.
Why Are Predicted Grades So Important?
Predicted grades are used by universities worldwide to assess your academic potential before your final IB results are available. Their importance varies by region:
- UK: Crucial for conditional offers via UCAS
- Canada: Important for early admission decisions
- US: Considered, but less critical in a holistic review
- Australia & Asia: Often used to determine equivalency or eligibility
- Europe: May be combined with entrance exams or interviews
Because of this, students naturally want to ensure their predictions reflect their best performance.
Can Predicted Grades Be Changed After Submission?
Here’s the breakdown:
✅ Yes – In Limited Cases
Some schools do allow predicted grade updates, particularly if a student shows major improvement (e.g., scoring much higher in mock exams). This is more common:
- Before application deadlines
- For non-UCAS or rolling admissions systems (e.g., US, Canada)
❌ No – In Many Cases
Many schools have strict internal deadlines, especially for UCAS submissions. Once grades are submitted:
- Teachers may refuse to change them
- Universities may not accept revised predictions
- It may appear unprofessional or unfair to other students
What Can You Do If You’re Unhappy with Your Predicted Grades?
If your grades have already been sent but you believe you can do better, consider the following:
- Talk to Your Teacher or IB Coordinator
Politely explain your situation and provide evidence of improvement. Offer mock exam results, revised IA drafts, or recent assessments. - Ask About Internal Policy
Every school has its own rules. Some may allow revisions before final deadlines, while others won’t. - Focus on Final IB Exams
Final grades are what ultimately matter. If you outperform your predictions, universities (especially in the US, Canada, and Europe) often still accept you. - Communicate with Universities
If your school agrees to raise your predicted grades, make sure they’re sent well before any admissions deadlines. You or your counselor can also contact universities directly in some cases.
Final Takeaway
So, can you improve predicted grades after they’re sent? Sometimes – but it’s not guaranteed. Your best bet is to:
- Understand your school’s policy
- Maintain open, respectful communication with teachers
- Focus on finishing strong with final exams
Universities care about your entire academic journey. One set of predictions won’t define your future — your effort, consistency, and final results will.
