Overview of MYP Scoring and Grading Structure
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) uses a standardized grading system designed to assess student understanding, critical thinking, and academic skills across various subject areas. Each subject is graded on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest possible mark.
The total score possible for an MYP certificate is 56 points, derived from summing the scores of eight individual eAssessment components. These include subjects like:
- Language and Literature
- Language Acquisition
- Individuals and Societies
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- Interdisciplinary Learning
- Arts, PE, and Design
- Personal Project
How Are MYP Scores Calculated?
Each subject in the MYP is assessed using four criteria, each graded out of 8. These criteria vary slightly depending on the subject group, but the maximum mark per subject remains 32, which is then converted to a final grade out of 7 using official grade boundaries.
For the MYP certificate:
- Students take on-screen exams or submit coursework for each subject.
- Each component is weighted equally.
- The cumulative maximum score across all eight components is 56 points.
MYP Passing Criteria and Certificate Requirements
To earn the official IB MYP Certificate, students must meet these criteria:
- At least 28 out of 56 total points.
- A minimum grade of 3 or above in all eAssessment components.
- Completion of the Personal Project and Interdisciplinary Learning assessments.
- Participation in community service and learning portfolios, though these are not scored.
What Is Considered a Good Score in the MYP?
Minimum Score to Pass
- A total of 28 points is required to pass.
- This equates to an average of 3.5 per subject.
Strong and Excellent Score Ranges
- 28–34 → Satisfactory to Good
- 35–40 → Very Good to Strong Achievement
- 41–49 → Excellent – Reserved for top students
- 50–56 → Outstanding – Achieved by few globally
Consistently scoring 5 or above in individual subjects demonstrates strong academic capability and readiness for the IB Diploma Programme (DP).
- Grade 7 → Excellent understanding and skill
- Grade 6 → Thorough and effective performance
- Grade 5 → Substantial progress and competence
- Grade 4 → Adequate but uneven understanding
- Grade 3 → Limited understanding, below average
- Grade 1–2 → Minimal achievement, needs improvement
Summary Table: MYP Scores and Their Interpretation
28 (minimum) → Passing threshold for MYP certificate
28–34 → Satisfactory to Good performance
35–40 → Strong performance, good preparation for DP
41–49 → Excellent academic development
50–56 → Exceptional mastery and top-tier achievement
Why MYP Scores Matter for Future IB Success
MYP as a Foundation for the IB Diploma Programme
The MYP acts as a springboard for the more rigorous IB Diploma Programme. Students with high MYP scores typically:
- Handle complex concepts and abstract reasoning more effectively.
- Are better prepared for the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Extended Essay (EE).
- Possess time management and reflection skills essential for DP success.
How Schools Use MYP Results
- Placement into HL or SL courses for DP is often based on MYP performance.
- Academic honors, awards, or internal rankings may be influenced by MYP grades.
- Some schools use MYP scores in university preparation portfolios.
How to Improve Your MYP Score
Tips for Academic Preparation
- Break down each subject into the four assessment criteria and practice accordingly.
- Seek teacher feedback regularly to understand how to refine your approach.
- Work on developing critical thinking, reflection, and analysis, especially in subjects like Language and Literature or Sciences.
Importance of Time Management and Revision
- Start revision early, using past papers and on-screen assessment simulators.
- Keep organized notes and summaries for each unit or topic.
- Engage in active recall and spaced repetition strategies.
Tools That Help: Explore RevisionDojo for MYP and DP Readiness
If you're serious about boosting your MYP scores and setting a strong foundation for the Diploma Programme, consider using RevisionDojo.
At RevisionDojo, you’ll find:
- Topic-by-topic study tools tailored to MYP objectives
- Skill-based practice questions that align with MYP rubrics
- IA and EE support tools if you're progressing to the DP
- Tools for the Personal Project, including PP exemplars and checklists
By starting with RevisionDojo in MYP, you’re building habits that will help you ace the DP years as well.
FAQs About MYP Scores
Q1: What’s the highest possible MYP score?
The highest is 56 points, with 7 being the top grade in each of the 8 components.
Q2: What if I score below 3 in one subject but still reach 28 points total?
Unfortunately, scoring below 3 in any required eAssessment may make you ineligible for the official MYP certificate.
Q3: Do MYP scores affect university admission?
Directly, no. But they can influence your placement into higher-level IB DP subjects and academic track records for future applications.
Q4: How often do students score above 40?
Scores above 40 are relatively rare and reflect high academic excellence across all subjects.
Q5: Are MYP assessments standardized globally?
Yes, final MYP eAssessments are externally moderated and standardized by the IB.
Q6: Can I retake MYP assessments?
Retakes are possible depending on school policy, but are not common practice.
Final Thoughts: Aiming Higher Than the Minimum
Achieving a good MYP score means more than just passing—it means laying the foundation for lifelong learning and future academic success in the IB Diploma Programme. Whether your goal is to hit 35, 45, or aim for the full 56, consistent effort and the right tools make all the difference.
Use platforms like RevisionDojo to bridge your skills, improve understanding, and stay ahead as you transition to the next academic challenge.
