IB CAS

What Happens If You Don’t Submit a CAS Reflection? [Complete Guide]

RevisionDojo
••5 min read

Introduction

For every IB Diploma student, CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) is a fundamental part of the core. Submitting CAS reflections is not just encouraged—it’s mandatory. Failing to reflect properly on your CAS experiences can lead to serious consequences, including losing eligibility for your IB Diploma.

So, what happens if you don’t submit a CAS reflection? Let’s break it down.

What Is a CAS Reflection and Why Is It Important?

A CAS reflection is a written or multimedia commentary that explains:

  • What you did
  • Why you did it
  • What you learned
  • How it links to the seven learning outcomes

Each CAS experience must be documented with a meaningful reflection to be approved by your CAS supervisor and coordinator. These reflections demonstrate personal growth, self-awareness, and active engagement with the IB Learner Profile.

Can You Fail CAS by Skipping Reflections?

Yes. According to IB guidelines, failure to demonstrate the seven CAS learning outcomes through proper reflections means CAS is considered incomplete. If you fail CAS, you automatically fail the IB Diploma, regardless of your exam scores.

Consequences of Not Submitting CAS Reflections

Here’s what can happen:

  • ❌ Your CAS experience may be invalidated.
    Even if you participated fully, without reflection, it won’t count.
  • ❌ Your CAS portfolio will be incomplete.
    Incomplete documentation = failure to meet CAS standards.
  • ❌ You risk disqualification from earning the IB Diploma.
    This happens more often than students realize—and it’s preventable.
  • ❌ Delayed graduation or need for make-up activities.
    Some schools will ask students to redo or extend CAS in Year 2 if reflection standards aren’t met.

What If You Miss a CAS Reflection Deadline?

Deadlines vary by school, but the IB requires ongoing reflection throughout the CAS program. Missing a deadline may not immediately disqualify you, but:

  • It reduces credibility and progress tracking.
  • It may require you to write retroactive reflections, which are often weaker.
  • Your supervisor might mark the experience as incomplete.

How Many CAS Reflections Do You Need?

While the IB doesn’t set a fixed number, most schools require:

  • One reflection per experience
  • At least one reflection demonstrating each of the seven learning outcomes

Some high-quality CAS projects might need multiple reflections to show depth over time.

What Makes a Reflection “Acceptable”?

To count as valid, your reflection must:

  • Be honest and personal
  • Discuss what you learned, not just what you did
  • Reference CAS learning outcomes
  • Be written in a reflective tone (not just a description)

What Should You Do If You Forgot to Submit One?

  1. Don’t panic—act quickly.
  2. Write a meaningful retrospective reflection while the experience is still fresh.
  3. Be honest about the delay—some coordinators allow late submissions with justification.
  4. Check if you met the necessary learning outcomes elsewhere.
  5. Ask for help.

How RevisionDojo Can Help You Succeed in CAS

RevisionDojo offers tailored tools for CAS success:

  • ✅ Reflection templates matched to IB standards
  • ✅ Step-by-step learning outcome guides
  • ✅ Feedback services for CAS portfolios
  • ✅ Personal coaching to organize and track your CAS journey
Don’t let poor documentation cost you your diploma. Join RevisionDojo today and write reflections that count.

👉 Visit RevisionDojo.com to get started.

Final Thoughts

Failing to submit a CAS reflection isn’t a small mistake—it could cost you your entire IB Diploma. But with intentional effort, timely reflections, and smart support tools like RevisionDojo, you can meet all the CAS requirements with confidence.

Reflect, record, and rise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I pass CAS without writing reflections?

No. Reflections are required to show evidence of meeting learning outcomes.

2. Are there minimum word counts for CAS reflections?

No strict word count, but the reflection should be detailed enough to demonstrate insight and personal growth.

3. Can I submit reflections in different formats?

Yes. IB accepts written, video, audio, photo-journal, or mixed-media reflections.

4. What if my CAS coordinator says my reflection isn’t deep enough?

Revise using feedback. Include specific challenges, emotional responses, and what you would do differently.

5. Is CAS marked externally like exams?

No. CAS is assessed internally, but IB may request portfolios for sampling and verification.

Want to be 100% ready for CAS?
🟢 Join RevisionDojo and learn how to reflect like a pro.