RevisionDojo✅ Quick Answer: Yes—A 38 in IB Is an Excellent Score
Scoring 38 out of 45 on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is considered well above average and places you in the top 15–20% of students globally.
It opens doors to top universities worldwide, especially if your Higher Level (HL) subjects align with your intended major.
📘 How IB Scores Work
The IB is scored out of 45 total points, consisting of:
- 6 subjects, each graded out of 7 (max 42 points)
- 3 bonus points from Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay (EE)
So a 38 typically means:
- Strong scores in HL and SL subjects (mostly 6s and 7s)
- Solid performance in TOK/EE (1 to 2 bonus points)
🎓 What Does a 38 in IB Mean for College Admissions?
📍 United States
- Equivalent to a 3.9–4.0 GPA (depending on conversions)
- Competitive for schools like NYU, UCLA, Boston University, and even some Ivies
- Can earn you college credit or advanced placement
📍 United Kingdom
- Meets or exceeds typical offers at Russell Group universities
- Suitable for many programs at UCL, King's College London, Edinburgh, and Warwick
- May meet conditional offers of 36–38 points with specific HL scores
📍 Canada, Europe, and Australia
- Highly competitive score for direct entry
- Often qualifies for scholarships and first-year exemptions
📊 How a 38 Compares Globally
- 🟩 45 – Perfect score; achieved by less than 1% of students globally
- 🟦 40+ – Places you in the top 5–7% of IB students worldwide
- 🟨 38 – An excellent score, ranking in the top 15–20% globally
- 🟧 30–34 – Falls within the global average range
- 🟥 24 – The minimum score required to pass the full IB Diploma
💡 Tips to Make a 38 Even More Competitive
- Make sure your HL subjects are strong (preferably 6s or 7s)
- Use a high EE or TOK score to show writing and critical thinking skills
- Align subject choices with your intended university major
- Maintain a balanced extracurricular profile (especially in U.S. applications)
🚀 Leverage Your 38 with RevisionDojo
Scoring 38 is fantastic—but how you present it matters. RevisionDojo helps students like you:
- ✅ Build standout university applications
- ✅ Craft killer TOK and EE submissions
- ✅ Convert IB results into college credit
- ✅ Plan smart subject strategies for future goals
👉 Visit RevisionDojo and turn your 38 into an offer letter from your dream university.
❓ FAQs: Is 38 a Good IB Score?
Can I get into top universities with a 38?
Yes—many top schools accept students with 38, especially with strong HL performance and extracurriculars.
What kind of GPA does a 38 equate to?
Roughly 3.9 to 4.0 GPA, depending on conversion scales.
Can a 38 get me scholarships?
Yes—many universities offer merit scholarships starting at scores of 36–38.
Final Verdict:
A 38 in IB is an excellent score that reflects academic strength, consistent effort, and a strong grasp of the IB curriculum. Use it strategically, and the opportunities are limitless.
