What If I Fail the IB Diploma?
Read This If You’re Worried About Not Passing the IB Diploma
Failed the IB? Here's What to Do Next - and How to Avoid It
Of course, failure isn’t the end - but what happens if you fail the IB?
The IB Diploma is a rigorous program, and the pressure can be intense, and while the fear of failing the IB is common among students, It’s best to address these fears through proper preparation.
In this article we'll walk you through what it means to 'fail' the IB, explore your options if things don't go as planned, and how you can prevent common pitfalls through the guidance from experienced IB tutors.
What are the IB Conditions for Failure?
IB DP Passing Criteria:
Failing the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma basically means not meeting the minimum requirements set by the IB Organization to earn the diploma.
These requirements include:
Total Points: You must score at least 24 points out of a possible 45 after combining the scores from all your subjects.
Core Components: You need to complete the Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) requirements.
Subject Requirements: No “failing condition” grades (E) in TOK and EE, and at least a D grade in both to pass.
What Happens If You Fail the IB Diploma?
If you fail to meet any of the above conditions, you won’t receive the IB Diploma. However, this doesn’t mean you leave empty-handed. You will still receive IB Course Certificates for the subjects you completed, reflecting the scores you achieved in those courses. You may still even earn your highschool diploma depending on your school’s requirements.
Immediate Steps to Take If you Fail the IB Diploma
If you find yourself not meeting the diploma requirements:
Review and Reassess: Check if there were any administrative errors or subjects where a reevaluation could change your outcome.
Consider IB Exam Retakes: IB offers a chance to retake exams during the next session. This could be a strategic move to enhance your scores and meet the diploma requirements.
IB Exam retakes are more common than you may think - sometimes they will help you save your diploma, other times students simply want to get better scores. If you think you may be a candidate for retakes, check out our page dedicated to understanding IB exam retakes in depth.
Regardless of your situation, at Think Smart Tutoring, we specialize in helping students like you understand these conditions and prepare effectively to maximize your chances of success and avoid failure.
If you've faced setbacks with your IB Diploma, don’t worry - Think Smart Tutoring is here to guide you. From reassessing your results to preparing for exam retakes, we’ll help you take the right steps to get back on track and achieve your academic goals.
Can You Still Succeed Without the IB Diploma?
Short answer - Yes!
Long(er) Answer - Yes, but it might create more of a hassle than simply studying more right now.
Failing the IB Diploma won’t keep you from future success, although it may complicate things slightly.
Practically speaking, it may be easier to buckle down and study a little harder than having to go through the process of mitigating the consequences of failure, even if they’re not catastrophic.
In the meantime, while you look at your options on how to secure your IB Diploma, focusing on the following credentials may still be reassuring:
High School Diploma: Most students enrolled in the IB Diploma Program are also working towards their high school diploma. Check with your school’s guidance office to confirm if you meet the criteria for the high school diploma, which often has different requirements than the IB Diploma.
Course Certificates: Even if you don't earn the full IB Diploma, you will receive certificates for the IB courses you completed successfully. These certificates can still be valuable, showing mastery in specific subjects and can be included in university applications.
University and College Admissions: Many universities understand the rigor of the IB courses and value your efforts, even if you don’t have the full diploma. Highlight your course successes, especially in higher-level subjects, in your applications. While you may have to set your aims a little lower than with the IB Diploma, a highschool diploma will still make you eligible for university admissions.
How Will Failing The IB Affect My University Offers?
Many students worry about the impact of failing the IB on their university admissions. It's a valid concern, as universities take your academic performance into account. Here's what you need to know:
Conditional Offers and IB Results:
Conditional Offers: Many universities make conditional offers based on your predicted IB scores. Failing to meet these conditions can result in universities reconsidering your acceptance.
Communication is Key: If you find yourself in a situation where you may not meet the conditions of your offer, it’s crucial to communicate with the universities as early as possible. Universities appreciate honesty and may provide guidance or alternative options based on your circumstances.
Potential for Admission Revocation:
Revocation is Rare but Possible: While rare, it is possible for a university to revoke an offer if the final grades are significantly lower than predicted. This is more likely if the failed subjects are critical to the course you applied for.
Proactive Steps: If your IB results are lower than expected, reach out to the universities immediately to discuss your options. In some cases, you might be offered a foundation year or an alternative course.
Even if you fail, the IB wasn’t ‘time wasted’
Personal Statements: Use your university application essays to reflect on your IB journey, emphasizing what you learned from the experience, even from the challenges or shortcomings.
Explaining Your Situation: If applicable, explain the circumstances that led to not achieving the diploma in your applications. Universities appreciate transparency and resilience.
University Isn’t the Only Path Forward
Vocational Training: If the academic route becomes too cumbersome, consider vocational programs that offer practical training and can lead to fulfilling careers.
Gap Year: Taking a year off to reassess your goals, gain practical experience, or volunteer can also enrich your resume and provide clarity for your future endeavors.
There are many alternative routes to success that don’t involve, let alone require, an IB Diploma. With that said, assuming you’re already enrolled in the IB, your IB Diploma will open many doors, aside from providing you with a sense of accomplishment; in other words, it’s definitely worth doing your best to make it across the finish line, diploma in hand.
Most Common Reasons for Failing the IB
What circumstances tend to lead to failure of the IB?
The IB is already tough, but certain circumstances can make it even tougher. Here are some typical challenges that might lead to not passing the program:
Overwhelming Stress: The extensive syllabus and high expectations can lead to significant stress, which may impact academic performance.
Poor Exam Preparation: Sometimes, failing to grasp the exam techniques or mismanaging revision time can lead to lower scores.
Complex Material: Certain subjects or concepts might be more challenging, requiring more focused study or help.
Lack of Qualified Support: If teachers are new to the IB, or the teacher/student relationship is strained for whatever reason, this can prove to be problematic for learning.
Not Getting Help Early Enough: When you start to feel overwhelmed it can be much more challenging to turn things around than if you are simply feeling a little behind. Reaching out early for support, such as making use of a writing center, or following the guidance of an experienced tutor, can make a huge difference.
Health and Wellbeing During Exams Maintaining your health and wellbeing is crucial during the IB. Neglecting this can lead to burnout, which might affect your exam performance. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and sufficient sleep are essential to keep your mind sharp and ready for challenges.
How Tutoring Can Help You Avoid Failing the IB?
Reach Out Now to Get Back on Track
We’ve turned seemingly impossible situations around with expert tutoring. Even if it feels like you’re on the cusp of failure, reach out - there’s a good chance we can solve it together.
At Think Smart Tutoring, we understand that each student faces unique challenges in their IB journey.
Here are the ways tutoring can be a game changer:
Targeted Assistance: Our tutors specialize in designing lessons just for you. Whether you need help with a complex topic in a Higher Level Chemistry IA or need to improve essay-writing skills in English, targeted help can transform your understanding and boost your confidence.
Strategic Exam Preparation: Beyond just reviewing content, our tutors help you learn proven exam strategies, how to manage your time effectively during tests, and tackle different types of questions with ease.
Building Resilience: With regular tutoring sessions, you’ll not only improve academically but also learn how to handle the pressures of the IB. With continuous support, you’ll learn to maintain a positive outlook and a resilient mindset amidst challenges.
We’ve Been in Your Shoes: All of our tutors have graduated the IB themselves and figured out all the strategies the hard way. Some of us even had bad tutors and know how frustrating inadequate support can be. Our mission is to provide exceptional tutoring so the IB can actually be enjoyable, rather than stressful.
It’s Never Too Late to Start With IB Tutoring.
Many of our students have saved their IB Diploma by getting tutoring at the last minute, while those who have started tutoring well in advance generally improve their scores by multiple points.
Remember, reaching out for help isn't a sign of weakness but a strategic step towards securing your IB Diploma.
Ready to turn your IB journey around? Contact us today and take the first step towards transforming your academic future.
FAQ About Failing the IB Diploma
1. Do I need to pass TOK and the Extended Essay to get the Diploma?
Yes, you must pass both the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay (EE) with at least a D grade in each to earn the IB Diploma.
2. Will universities revoke my offer if I fail the IB?
It’s rare, but if your final scores are much lower than expected, especially in key subjects, some universities might reconsider your offer. Always best to talk with them early if things don’t go as planned.
3. What if I get sick or miss an exam?
Don’t worry—IB has procedures for this. If you miss an exam due to illness or another serious issue, you can apply to defer your exams to the next session. Make sure to let your school know and provide any needed documentation right away.
4. Can tutoring make the difference between passing and failing?
Definitely. A good tutor can help clarify tough topics, fill in gaps in your knowledge, and give you strategies for the exam. Many students find that with the right support, they improve enough to pass comfortably.
5. What are my options if I don’t pass all components of the IB?
You can retake exams during the next session. This gives you a chance to boost your scores and meet the diploma requirements. It's a common path and nothing to be ashamed of.
6. How can I avoid common pitfalls that lead to failing the IB?
Stay organized, manage your time well, and ask for help early if you’re struggling. Keeping up with tutoring, actively participating in class, and using all available resources can make a big difference.
Need more personalized advice or have other questions?
Reach out to us at Think Smart Tutoring. We’re here to help you get through the IB with confidence and success.
Contact us today to see how we can support your IB journey!
