Introduction
For IB students, predicted grades often feel like the most stressful part of the university application process. They’re submitted before your final results and can influence whether you receive an offer. But how exactly do universities use predicted grades, and how much do they really matter? This guide explains the role of predicted grades in university admissions, how they affect your applications, and what you can do if you’re worried about them.
Quick Start Checklist
- Understand what predicted grades are and how they’re calculated.
- Learn how universities use them in decisions.
- Know the limits of their influence.
- Communicate with teachers if you feel your predictions are unfair.
- Focus on proving your potential in the rest of your application.
What Are Predicted Grades?
Predicted grades are estimates provided by your teachers of the marks you’re expected to achieve in your final IB or AP exams. They’re based on:
- Past performance in classwork and tests.
- Effort, consistency, and participation.
- Internal assessments and mock exams.
How Universities Use Predicted Grades
- UCAS (UK): Predicted grades play a major role since offers are often conditional. For example, a student predicted 38 IB points might receive an offer requiring 36.
- Common App (US): US universities consider predicted grades, but they place more emphasis on transcripts, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations.
- Other Regions: Many international universities use predicted grades to shortlist applicants before final results.
Why Predicted Grades Matter
- They determine whether you receive conditional offers in the UK.
