Introduction
For IB and AP 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.
- They show academic trajectory for US universities.
- They give admissions officers confidence in your ability to succeed.
The Limits of Predicted Grades
- They are not final. Offers are often conditional, and universities will confirm once final grades arrive.
- Many admissions officers know predictions are imperfect and consider them alongside other factors.
- A strong personal statement, recommendation letters, and extracurriculars can balance slightly lower predictions.
What to Do If You’re Worried About Your Predictions
- Talk to Your Teachers – If you feel your predicted grade doesn’t reflect your ability, ask for feedback and how you can demonstrate improvement.
- Highlight Growth in Your Application – Use essays to show resilience and progress.
- Apply Strategically – Balance “reach” universities with safer options.
- Stay Focused – Strong final results can sometimes offset lower predictions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming predicted grades guarantee admission.
- Panicking over slightly lower predictions without looking at the bigger picture.
- Ignoring final exams because you already have offers.
- Choosing universities only based on predicted grades without considering fit.
RevisionDojo Tip: Focus on the Controllables
You can’t fully control your predicted grades, but you can control how you present yourself in essays, interviews, and extracurriculars. Use every part of your application to show growth and potential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do universities ever lower their offers if predictions are low?
Yes. Some universities may make a lower conditional offer if they see strong potential elsewhere in your application.
2. Can final grades save me if my predicted grades were low?
In some cases, yes. If you exceed your predictions and meet entry requirements, universities may still accept you.
3. Do US universities care as much about predicted grades as UK ones?
No. While they’re considered, US universities focus more on overall academic record, essays, and extracurricular achievements.
Conclusion
Predicted grades are an important part of university admissions, but they don’t define your entire application. They guide offers in the UK and provide a snapshot for US universities, but admissions officers also look at essays, recommendations, and personal qualities. What matters most is staying resilient and proving your potential through every part of your application.
Call to Action
Worried about predicted grades? RevisionDojo provides strategies and resources to help IB and AP students strengthen their applications and stand out beyond numbers. Explore our guides today and take control of your admissions journey.
