What Are Predicted Grades in the IB?
Predicted grades in the International Baccalaureate (IB) refer to the scores a student’s teachers believe they are likely to achieve in their final IB assessments. These grades play a crucial role in:
- University applications (especially in the UK, US, and Canada)
- Scholarship decisions
- Providing academic feedback for students and families
Predicted grades are not based on a single test-they reflect a student’s overall academic performance and their trajectory of progress.
When Are Predicted Grades Typically Given in the IB?
📅 Timeline for Predicted Grades
Predicted grades are generally submitted in DP2 (the second year of the Diploma Programme). Here’s how the process works:
- Initial indicators appear in end-of-year DP1 report cards (June-July)
- Final predicted grades are submitted between September and October of DP2
- This timing aligns with university deadlines like:
- UCAS (UK): October 15 (Oxbridge/medicine); January 31 (others)
- Common App (US): Early Decision/Action deadlines in November
Schools typically share these predictions with students before submission to allow for queries or appeals.
How Teachers Predict IB Grades Accurately
IB teachers follow a holistic process using:
- Internal Assessments (IAs), completed and graded according to IB rubrics
- Mock exams and classroom tests, aligned with IB standards
- Consistency and engagement: classroom participation, assignment quality
- Grade descriptors: official IB performance benchmarks for levels 1-7
Teachers also meet within departments for standardization, ensuring fairness and consistency across subject areas.
How Are Predicted Grades Used in University Applications?
University admissions rely on IB predicted grades to:
- Assess eligibility for programs and courses
- Issue conditional offers, such as:
- “38 points overall, with 6s in HL Math and Physics”
- Evaluate academic strength in comparison to applicants worldwide
Especially in UK universities (via UCAS), predicted grades are central to decisions, since final IB results are released in July-after offers are made.
Can Predicted Grades Change During the IB Programme?
Yes, predicted grades can change under certain conditions:
- If a student significantly improves or declines academically
- After mock exams or revised IA submissions
- Based on student-teacher discussions with supporting evidence
However, once submitted to universities, they typically cannot be modified-except under rare circumstances like administrative errors.
How to Improve Your Predicted Grades
Here’s what students can do to positively influence their predicted grades:
- Demonstrate steady performance in assignments and tests
- Engage actively in class discussions and show curiosity
- Submit high-quality IAs early and seek feedback
- Request constructive feedback and implement suggestions
Building trust with teachers through consistent effort and improvement is key.
Myths and Misconceptions About Predicted Grades
Let’s debunk a few common myths:
- ❌ "They can't be changed": They can, before official submission
- ❌ "They're always overestimated": Most schools aim for realistic and data-driven predictions
- ❌ "They determine your final IB score": Final grades are solely based on external assessments and IA moderation
Predicted grades are a tool, not a verdict.
Impact of Predicted Grades on Final Results and Motivation
For many students, predicted grades serve as a motivational checkpoint. Depending on the outcome:
- Students may push harder to meet or exceed expectations
- Some may lose focus if they think the prediction guarantees results
- Universities may withdraw offers if final results fall below predicted scores
It’s important to maintain momentum and consistency until the final exams.
Conclusion: Understanding and Using Predicted Grades Strategically
Predicted grades in the IB are more than just numbers-they reflect your journey, effort, and academic story. Knowing when and how they are calculated helps you take control of your performance and build a strong case for university admissions.
Be proactive, seek feedback, and strive to meet (or exceed) those predictions.