How Do Schools Predict IB Scores? Inside the IB Predicted Grade Process
For students enrolled in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, predicted grades are more than just a rough estimate—they’re a vital part of university applications, conditional offers, and scholarship decisions. But how exactly do schools determine these numbers?
This guide breaks down the IB predicted grade process, what teachers consider, how it affects your future, and how to improve your predictions before the real exams.
What Are IB Predicted Grades?
Predicted grades are the scores that teachers estimate a student will most likely achieve in each IB subject at the end of the program. These predictions are submitted to the IB Organization and often included in university applications, especially when final exam scores haven’t been released yet.
Why Are Predicted IB Scores Important?
- University Admissions: Most universities make offers based on your predicted scores since final IB results come out after deadlines.
- Conditional Offers: Predicted grades determine whether you receive offers from schools like Oxford, Cambridge, Stanford, and UCL.
- Scholarship Eligibility: Many merit-based awards use predicted scores to assess candidates.
- Course Recommendations: Schools may use predictions to suggest subject changes or adjust support levels.
How Do Schools Predict IB Scores?
Teachers follow a structured process, combining quantitative data and professional judgment. Here’s what they typically consider:
1. Internal Assessments (IAs)
- IAs are subject-specific projects, essays, labs, or orals.
- Teachers evaluate performance using IB mark schemes, and this often contributes significantly to the predicted score.
2. Mock Exams
- Many schools conduct mock exams under real exam conditions.
- These exams reflect the student’s readiness for final papers and are graded using official past IB papers and rubrics.
3. Class Tests and Quizzes
- Consistent test scores throughout the year indicate understanding and engagement.
- Teachers often average performance over time to gauge improvement or decline.
4. Coursework and Participation
- Essays, research projects, presentations, and lab work are factored in.
- Active participation, homework quality, and analytical thinking also influence the final estimate.
5. Subject-Specific Criteria
- Each subject has specific grading rubrics and expectations.
- Teachers apply these benchmarks when reviewing student work.
6. Historical Trends and Professional Judgment
- Teachers consider how past students with similar performance fared in final exams.
- Experience helps them adjust for student growth, potential, or over-performance in final assessments.
When Are IB Predicted Grades Given?
- Most schools submit predicted grades in October–November for November sessions and March–April for May sessions.
- These predictions align with UCAS deadlines, early action/early decision timelines, and other university admission cycles.
How Accurate Are IB Predicted Grades?
- IB examiners compare predicted grades to actual results each year.
- In general:
- Predictions tend to be optimistic, though many are accurate within ±1 point.
- Over-predictions can result in rejected offers, while under-predictions may cause missed opportunities.
Can Predicted Grades Be Changed?
Yes, under certain conditions:
- If new performance data becomes available before the final IB submission.
- If a student shows significant improvement or decline.
- Final decisions to revise predictions lie with the subject teacher and IB coordinator.
How to Improve Your Predicted IB Scores
- Perform well in IAs and class tests—these are directly tied to predictions.
- Seek regular feedback from teachers and act on it.
- Use past paper practice to simulate exam conditions and prove readiness.
- Demonstrate consistent effort—last-minute cramming rarely changes predictions.
- Use Revisiondojo to identify weak areas, review targeted topics, and improve exam technique through personalized study tools.
FAQs: How Schools Predict IB Scores
Do universities see my predicted scores?
Yes. Most universities receive predicted grades as part of your academic transcript during the admissions process.
What if my predicted score is lower than I expect?
Talk to your teacher. Show improvement, request feedback, and demonstrate progress through mock exams or revised assessments.
Can I appeal a predicted grade?
Not formally to the IB, but you can discuss your concerns with your teacher or IB coordinator. Final decisions are at the school’s discretion.
Will my final IB score be lower than my prediction?
Not necessarily. Many students match or exceed their predictions with effective final preparation.
Does Revisiondojo help improve predicted grades?
Yes. Revisiondojo provides diagnostic tools, exam simulations, and content-focused revision to improve performance before teachers finalize grades.
Conclusion: IB Predicted Grades Are Built on Evidence, Not Guesswork
IB predicted grades are carefully calculated using real data—internal assessments, mock exams, classwork, and teacher insight. While they aren’t guarantees, they’re a strong indicator of future performance. The good news? You can influence them with effort, consistency, and strategic study.
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