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.