Understanding the IB Scoring System
The International Baccalaureate (IB) awards a maximum of 45 points in the Diploma Programme. Here’s how the scoring breaks down:
- 6 subjects scored from 1 to 7 = 42 possible points
- 3 bonus points come from:
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
- Extended Essay (EE)
To pass the IB Diploma, you must:
- Score at least 24 points
- Complete CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service)
- Meet minimum requirements for HL/SL subjects and core components
IB Score Ranges and What They Mean
Here’s a breakdown of what different IB scores represent:
- 45 Points
- Perfect score; extremely rare
- Opens doors to Ivy League, Oxbridge, and top global universities
- 40–44 Points
- Excellent performance
- Competitive for elite schools like Stanford, MIT, UCL, and top medicine/law programs
- 35–39 Points
- Very strong academic achievement
- Highly regarded by selective universities in the US, UK, and Australia
- 30–34 Points
- Above average score
- Meets entry for many reputable programs worldwide
- 24–29 Points
- Minimum pass range
- Diploma awarded; suitable for foundation courses or less competitive programs
- Below 24 Points
- Diploma not awarded
- May still receive individual certificates; consider exam retakes or alternate pathways
What Is Considered a Good IB Score for University Admissions?
United States
- Top-tier schools (Harvard, Yale): 40–45
- Competitive schools (NYU, UC Berkeley): 35–40
- Mid-tier and state schools: 30–34
United Kingdom
- Oxford, Cambridge: 38–42 with high HL scores
- Russell Group universities: 34–38
- Foundation or backup courses: 28–33
Canada, Europe, Australia
- Toronto, McGill, UBC: 33–38
- Dutch, German, and Scandinavian schools: 30–36
- Australian universities: 30–34 for most degrees
Factors That Define a “Good” IB Score
- Your university goals: A “good” score is one that meets your dream school’s criteria.
- Your course competitiveness: Medicine and Engineering need higher scores than Humanities.
- Your HL subject results: Many schools focus on Higher Level (HL) subject performance.
How IB Scores Compare to Other Academic Systems
- IB vs GPA
- A 40+ in IB is often seen as a 4.0+ GPA equivalent in US admissions.
- IB vs A-Levels
- IB is broader; A-Levels go deeper. Both are respected by top schools.
- IB vs AP
- IB is holistic and includes core components (EE, TOK, CAS); AP is more exam-based and flexible.
FAQs – Good IB Scores Demystified
Is 36 a good IB score?
Yes. It’s well above average and suitable for many competitive universities.
Is 24 enough for college?
Yes, for non-selective or regional universities. Most competitive schools want more.
What IB score do I need for medicine?
Typically 38–42, including HL Biology and Chemistry scores of 6 or 7.
Do HL grades matter more?
Yes. Universities often specify HL score requirements in offers.
Is the IB worth it for average students?
Absolutely. The skills you gain—critical thinking, research, organization—are valuable for life.
How can I improve my IB score?
- Focus on internal assessments
- Practice with past exam papers
- Use platforms like RevisionDojo for structured prep
Get the Score You Need with RevisionDojo
At RevisionDojo, we help students raise their IB scores with:
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- 🎓 Admissions advice tied to your IB performance
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