RevisionDojo✅ Quick Answer: Schools Look at Grades from the Most Recent Academic Years—Usually 8th to 10th Grade
If you’re applying to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP), schools usually evaluate your grades from the last 1–3 years—typically covering 8th, 9th, and 10th grades, depending on your local school system.
🏫 What Grades Do Schools Check for IB Admission?
🔹 Middle School or Pre-IB Grades (8th–10th Grade)
- Most programs require strong overall academic performance
- Core subjects like Math, English, Science, and Humanities are weighted more heavily
- Schools may review semester or final grades, GPA, or percentage averages
🔹 Standardized Test Scores (Optional)
- Some competitive IB schools may look at:
- PSAT or similar assessments
- Internal placement exams in math or language
📘 Typical Grade Expectations for IB Admission
Grade Expectations by School Type When Applying to IB
🏫 Public High Schools
- Expected grades: B average or higher
- Roughly equivalent to: ~3.0 GPA
🎓 Selective IB Programs
- Expected grades: A– average or above
- Typically: 3.7+ GPA or 90%+
🌍 International Schools
- Use a mix of:
- National report cards
- IB-specific placement tests
- Internal school assessments
🏢 Private IB Institutions
- Consider multiple criteria:
- Academic grades
- Teacher recommendations
- Admissions interviews
- Personal essays or motivation letters
📝 What Else Matters Besides Grades?
✔️ Teacher Recommendations
Educators may comment on:
- Academic ability
- Work ethic
- Readiness for a rigorous curriculum
✔️ Personal Statement or Interview
Some schools ask you to explain:
- Why you want to join IB
- Your academic interests and goals
- How you plan to manage the workload
✔️ Behavior and Attendance
Strong attendance and classroom behavior may boost your chances—especially in holistic admission processes.
❓ FAQs: Applying to IB and Grade Requirements
What GPA do I need to get into IB?
Most programs look for at least a 3.0 GPA, but competitive schools may expect 3.5+ or higher.
Can I apply if I didn’t do well in middle school?
Yes—especially if your grades are improving. Schools may consider growth and potential, not just raw scores.
Do I need straight A's to get in?
Not necessarily. A mix of A’s and B’s, especially in academic subjects, is often sufficient.
Will extracurriculars help my IB application?
Definitely. Involvement in clubs, sports, or service shows you can balance academics with other commitments—a skill essential for IB.
🚀 Ace Your IB Application with Help from RevisionDojo
If you’re aiming to get into IB, RevisionDojo helps students prepare smarter with:
- ✅ Pre-IB subject readiness checklists
- ✅ Sample application questions and answers
- ✅ Study resources to build a strong academic foundation
- ✅ Time management and organization tools
👉 Visit RevisionDojo and give yourself a competitive edge before IB even begins.
