Introduction: You Passed the IB—Now What?
Scoring 24 points on your IB Diploma may not place you in the top percentile, but here’s the truth: you still passed one of the most rigorous high school programs in the world.
Many students believe that a 24 automatically rules out university options—but that’s simply not true. In fact, there are numerous colleges and universities across the globe that accept students with this score, and some even reward it with college credits.
Let’s explore where you can go, and how to make the most of your IB experience.
What Does a 24 in IB Really Mean?
- You’ve met the IB minimum diploma requirement (12 points from HL subjects, 9 from SL, and full CAS completion).
- You may not have scored 6s or 7s, but you’ve shown competence across a broad range of academic disciplines.
- Most importantly, you’ve developed core skills like critical thinking, time management, and research.
Universities That Accept a 24 in IB
🎓 1. United States
Many U.S. colleges have flexible entry criteria and reward IB diploma holders with college credit, even if your score is 24.
- University of Utah – Grants 30 general elective credits for full IB diplomas scoring 24+.
- University of Tulsa (Oklahoma) – Offers 10–30 credits depending on your IB subject scores.
- Other flexible U.S. options:
- Drury University
- Earlham College
- Franklin & Marshall College
- Saint Leo University
- Lynn University
- Hult International Business School (Boston Campus)
These universities often look at your full academic profile, including essays, extracurriculars, and letters of recommendation—not just your final score.
🌍 2. Europe
Netherlands
- Many Dutch universities (e.g., Maastricht University, University of Groningen) accept IB scores starting at 24 for certain programs.
- They often require English proficiency, specific subject combinations, and a motivation letter.
Spain & Germany
- Private and public universities often consider applicants with 24+ IB points, especially for non-STEM or business courses.
Poland & Eastern Europe
- Numerous universities offer English-language bachelor’s programs with low IB score thresholds—often beginning at 24.
🇨🇦 3. Canada
Some Canadian universities may consider 24-point IB diplomas if supported by strong provincial results or high school transcripts. Examples include:
- Trent University
- University of Winnipeg
- Brock University
- Thompson Rivers University
These schools also value IB experience and completion of the diploma, even if scores aren’t elite.
🌐 4. Other Global Options
- Hult International Business School (San Francisco, London, Dubai, Shanghai)
- European School of Economics (Italy and UK)
- American Graduate School of Business (Switzerland)
- University of Calicut (India)
Platforms like gotouniversity.com list hundreds of programs that begin accepting IB students at 24 points.
How to Strengthen Your Application With a 24
Just because your score is modest doesn’t mean your application has to be. Here’s how to boost your chances:
✅ 1. Highlight Your IB Core
- Show your TOK and EE topics—especially if they’re research- or impact-oriented.
- Emphasize CAS experiences that demonstrate leadership or service.
✅ 2. Submit a Powerful Personal Statement
- Focus on your growth through adversity.
- Discuss lessons learned from your IB journey—resilience, curiosity, and time management.
✅ 3. Consider Retaking Subjects (Optional)
- You can resit one or more subjects in the next exam session to improve your score.
- A better score can open more competitive university options.
✅ 4. Take Advantage of College Credit
- Even a 24 can unlock 5-10 college credits at select U.S. schools.
- That’s nearly a year of university coursework saved—a financial and academic advantage.
Conclusion: Your Score Doesn’t Define Your Future
A 24 in the IB Diploma may not be ideal, but it’s far from the end. You’ve graduated from a globally respected program, and you have options—from universities in Europe and the U.S. to career-building international programs.
With strategic planning, a compelling application, and maybe a little help from platforms like gotouniversity.com or collegevine, you can still land at a great university and thrive.
FAQs
Can I study in Europe with a 24 in IB?
Yes. Many European universities accept 24 points, especially in countries like the Netherlands, Spain, and Poland.
Can I still earn college credits in the U.S. with 24 points?
Yes. Some universities offer up to 30 credits for a full IB diploma, even at 24 points.
Should I retake subjects to improve my IB score?
If you're aiming for more competitive schools, retaking one or two exams can help raise your overall points and open more doors.
Are there scholarships for students with 24 points in IB?
Yes—but they’re typically based on financial need or extracurricular excellence, rather than just academics.
Where can I find a list of universities that accept 24 points?
Check out ibo.org, gotouniversity.com, or individual university websites to find matching institutions.
Will I struggle at university with a 24-point IB score?
Not if you commit to your studies. IB students—even with modest scores—tend to have stronger academic habits and resilience than their peers.
