How Do IB Predicted Grades Work for Early University Applications? A Complete Guide

What Are IB Predicted Grades?

IB predicted grades are forecasts given by your subject teachers, estimating the final grades you're likely to achieve in each of your six IB subjects. These are based on:

• Internal assessments (IAs)
• Mock exams
• Class participation and coursework
• Your academic progress over time

They are submitted by your school’s IB Coordinator to both the International Baccalaureate and, when requested, to universities.

Why Predicted Grades Matter for Early Applications

In early university applications—like Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) in the US or October deadlines in the UK (UCAS)—final IB results won’t be available yet. Instead, universities rely on predicted grades to assess:

• Whether you meet or exceed entry requirements
• Your academic consistency and upward trends
• Your readiness for rigorous university-level programs

Many top universities issue conditional offers based on these predictions. If your actual grades fall below the predicted ones, you risk losing the offer unless exceptions are made.

How IB Predicted Grades Are Submitted to Universities

United Kingdom (UCAS)

• Predicted grades are entered directly into your UCAS application
• Universities use these to assess eligibility for competitive programs (e.g., Law, Medicine, Oxbridge)
• Offers are often conditional on achieving specific final scores

United States (Common App or Coalition App)

• Schools submit a School Report and Counselor Recommendation, which includes predicted IB grades
• Selective universities weigh them alongside GPA, course rigor, SAT/ACT scores, and extracurriculars
• Early applications often require them by November 1

Canada, Europe, Australia

• Universities may request a transcript + predicted grades
• Offers are often conditional and based on IB predictions plus course prerequisites

How to Maximize Your Predicted Grades for Early Applications

1. Perform well in Year 1 (IB1):
   Teachers base early predictions largely on your IB1 results.
2. Submit IAs early and seek feedback:
   Completed internal assessments can improve your grade prediction and show commitment.
3. Communicate with your teachers:
   If you feel your work reflects higher potential than your current grade, politely discuss this with evidence.
4. Excel in mock exams and assessments:
   Your performance here can strongly influence teacher perception, especially before submission deadlines.
5. Ask for early feedback:
   If your school allows appeal discussions or self-reflections, be proactive—but always respectful.

Can Predicted Grades Be Changed After Submission?

Usually not—once they are submitted to universities or the IB, they’re final. That’s why it's critical to address concerns early, ideally before October for UK and before November for US applications.

In rare cases, if a serious error is found or if significant new evidence emerges, a school may contact the university to amend or clarify—but this is uncommon.

Do Universities Know Predicted Grades Can Be Inaccurate?

Yes. Universities understand that predicted grades:

• Are educated estimates, not guarantees
• Tend to be optimistic in some cases
• Can vary across schools or countries

That’s why universities often require final transcripts after IB results are released. Offers are confirmed only if final grades match or exceed predicted expectations.

FAQs: IB Predicted Grades and Early University Applications

Q1: What if my predicted grades are lower than the university entry requirements?
You can still apply, especially to holistic admissions universities. Strong essays, references, and extracurriculars can make a difference. But for strict programs (e.g., Medicine, Engineering), meeting predictions is often essential.

Q2: Do all early applications need predicted grades?
Most do—especially if your final results won’t arrive before admissions decisions are made. Always check specific university policies.

Q3: Can I choose which predicted grades are sent?
No. Your school submits the full predicted report across all six subjects.

Q4: Will predicted grades affect scholarship opportunities?
Yes. Some merit-based scholarships consider predicted academic performance in their criteria.

Q5: How close are predicted grades to actual results?
Predicted grades are often within 1 point of final scores, but discrepancies do happen—both over and under.

Q6: Can I submit updated grades after early applications?
Yes. For some rolling admissions or Regular Decision rounds, your school can send mid-year reports or updates if grades improve.