What Are IB Predicted Grades And Why They Can Be More Important Than The Final Scores
Plus How to Score as High as Possible
Do IB predicted scores influence your final scores?
Strictly speaking, No.
But, are they just as (or more) important?
Definitely Yes.
For those currently enrolled in or considering the IB Diploma, you’ll most likely be familiar with the concept of predicted IB scores.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to understand about IB predicted grades.
What’s the Difference Between IB Predicted and IB Final Scores?
Predicted IB scores (sometimes referred to as projected IB scores) and final IB scores are both critical components of the International Baccalaureate (IB) experience, but they serve distinct purposes and are calcuated at different stages of the IB journey.
IB predicted scores are the grades that your teachers estimate you will achieve in your final IB exams. These predictions are made by your teachers and are based on your performance in internal assessments, class assignments, and mock exams.
Final IB scores, on the other hand, are the grades you actually earn on your official IB exams, which are marked externally by the IB organization. These scores are the culmination of your two years of study and are released after the exams are completed in May or November.
The gap between predicted and final scores can vary. While teachers strive for accuracy, predicting scores reliably is challenging due to the comprehensive nature of the IB exams and individual student responses to the pressure of final exams.
Why IB Predicted Grades are Such a Big Deal
Predicted grades are super important because they're basically the first thing universities look at when you apply. Most of the time, you'll be sending these predicted grades to universities at the start of 12th grade, long before your final IB exams are even on the horizon. Universities use these grades to estimate how well you're going to do in the IB overall, which helps them decide if they want to offer you a spot.
These grades matter a lot, especially in places like the UK, Canada, or Europe, where schools make offers based on what they think you can achieve. Since your actual IB results won't be out until after the university application deadlines, as far as IB grades go, these predicted scores are all the universities have to go by.
College aside, the IB predicted grades are a way for students to evaluate their academic standings about halfway through the IB Diploma. It can serve as an indication that all is running smoothly, or for some, a wake-up call that things need to change.
How to Score High on Your Predicted IB Grades
Firstly, understand that your predicted grades are largely based on how well you do in your classes and on your exams up until they're given out. This means your performance from day one matters a lot.
Start strong and stay consistent. Keep up with your studies, hand in all your assignments on time, and make sure you’re studying for your tests in equal proportion without prioritizing or neglecting any specific subject too much.
Build a good relationship with your teachers. Show up to class, participate actively, and be respectful. Show them that you’re pushing yourself to understand the material deeply and improve wherever you can. Teachers are more likely to predict higher grades for students they see as engaged and committed. Plus, if they know you well, they can more accurately judge your potential.
If you’re ever struggling, don’t hide it. Ask for help, whether it’s from your teachers or a tutor. Showing that you’re willing to improve and tackle challenges head-on can also influence your predicted grades positively. Don’t forget the value of regular tutoring sessions, which can provide personalized guidance and address specific areas of concern.
Focus on past paper practice. This not only familiarizes you with the exam format but also helps you understand how to effectively apply your knowledge under exam conditions.
Set yourself up for success with your Extended Essay and TOK. Both of these components affect your overall total IB predicted score, so having a good foundation and a promising outlook on their respective assignments can help. These subjects are quite confusing for many, which is why we offer extensive EE and TOK tutoring from beginning to end, teaching you the tools to get an A in both.
When Do We Get Our Predicted IB Scores?
Every IB school is a little different, but you’ll usually get your predicted IB scores somewhere between the end of your first year and the start of your second year in the IB Diploma Program. This timing is key because it’s right around when you’re applying to universities, especially if you’re looking at schools that want applications submitted early, like in the UK or Canada.
It’s kind of like a halftime report in sports. They’re judging how you’ve played the game so far and predicting how you’ll finish. Just remember, these scores aren’t set in stone. They’re just your teachers' best guess based on what they’ve seen from you so far. So, if you get your predicted scores and they’re not quite what you hoped, don’t sweat it too much. There’s still time to turn things around before the final whistle.
How are IB Predicted Grades Calculated?
Here’s how your IB scores are predicted: Your teachers look at your work throughout the IB program—this includes your grades on assignments, tests, how you do on mock exams, and even your Extended Essay and TOK predicted points. They also think about your participation in class and your overall attitude towards learning.
Now, every teacher might have a different style. Some might focus more on your recent improvements, while others might look at your consistent performance over time. They're trying to gauge not just where you are now, but where you could be by the time you sit your final exams.
Here's the thing—there isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula. Some schools might have specific guidelines, but often, it's up to your teachers to use their judgment based on their experience with past students. They'll consider your potential for growth and any particular strengths or challenges you might have.
Are IB Predicted Scores Accurate?
Well, short answer: they're not always spot on.
Teachers do their best to estimate your final IB exam scores, but there are always going to be some uncertainties. The thing is, a lot depends on how you perform on exam day, which can vary due to a bunch of factors like stress, exam conditions, and how well you prepared in the days leading up to the exams.
It’s also worth mentioning that different teachers have different prediction styles—some might be more conservative in their estimates, while others might be more optimistic. This individual variability can introduce a degree of subjectivity into your predicted scores, making them less about concrete performance and more about perceived potential.
What to Do If You Feel Your Predicted Grades are ‘Wrong’?
Got your predicted grades and they don't look quite right? Here's how to handle it:
First off, take a deep breath. It's important to approach this calmly. Predicted grades are teachers' best guesses, and sometimes, they might not align perfectly with your expectations or true potential.
If you genuinely believe there's been a misunderstanding or mistake, talk to your teacher about ways to improve moving forward. DO NOT ask them why or what predicted grades they’ve given you, because that’s like asking them to see the letter of recommendation a teacher may have written for you. Not only are IB predicted grades confidential, but if you haven’t had a conversation with your teachers at the beginning of the year on how to perform well, it’s too late to change your predicted scores now.
If you do decide you want to reach out to your teacher for sincere advice, it’s very important that you don’t do this in a confrontational way, but rather have a constructive conversation. Show you’re genuinely interested in improving, discuss your goals with them and ask them to help you with strategies to achieve them.
Remember, it’s not about challenging their authority but seeking clarity. Teachers are generally open to discussing your performance and can provide insights into how they believe you’ll perform for exams. Sometimes, just understanding their perspective better can reassure you about the process.
Please note that teachers are unlikely to change a predicted grade, and if for whatever reason they do, it’s ultimately you who has to live up to a predicted score that may be somewhat unrealistic.
Receiving predicted grades that don’t match your expectations can be disheartening, but it’s crucial to maintain a positive mindset. Instead of dwelling on the disappointment, use it as a catalyst for proactive change.
Boosting Your Final IB Score After Getting Low Predicted Grades
Don't worry, if you got lower predicted grades than you hoped for, it's not the end of the road.
Here’s how you can still improve your final IB scores:
Use this as a wake-up call. See it as a challenge to push yourself harder than before. You’ve got time between now and the final exams to turn things around, and plenty of strategies can help you do just that.
Start by figuring out where you’re falling short. Is it understanding the content, or how you’re studying? Maybe it's time management or test-taking strategies that need work. Once you know what’s holding you back, you can tackle it head-on.
Consider getting some extra help, like a tutor. Tutors can offer new perspectives and strategies that might click better with your learning style. Every student has a unique learning style that is suited to them, and tutors are skilled at identifying and tailoring learning approaches to each individual. Tutoring is by far the best way to ensure an increase in IB scores. Plus, our tutors have been through the IB themselves and know what it’s like to be in your shoes, and what it takes to ace it.
Focus on practicing past exam papers. This not only helps you get used to the format and types of questions you’ll face but also builds confidence and improves your exam timing.
Remember, your predicted grades are just a snapshot in time. They reflect where you were, not where you can go. With the right effort and strategies, and maybe even a little help, improving your final scores is totally within your reach. So, buckle up, get focused, and show everyone what you’re capable of!
Will Universities Reject You If Your Final Scores Dip Below Predicted Scores?
It's a common concern, but here’s some quick reassurance: not every drop in scores leads straight to a rejection.
Universities understand that predicted grades are estimates, not guarantees. They know that a variety of factors can influence your performance on exam day, from nerves to just having an off day. When you apply, most schools consider your whole application, not just your IB scores. This includes your personal statement, letters of recommendation, extracurriculars, and interviews.
However, it’s important to manage how much your scores drop. A slight dip might not be a big deal, especially if your scores still meet the university’s requirements. But a significant drop can be a red flag. It might make the admissions officers reconsider whether you can handle their program, especially if the courses you scored lower in are crucial for your intended area of study.
If your scores do end up lower, and it affects your admission, you might have options like appealing the decision or looking at alternative programs.
It's always good to have a backup plan. Apply to a range of schools, keeping some options where admission is more likely even if your scores aren’t top-notch.
Bottom line? Aim to meet or exceed your predicted grades, but know that a small drop doesn’t automatically close all doors. Stay proactive and prepared for all outcomes!
Don’t Let IB Predicted Grades Disrupt Your Way To Desired University.
We’ve gone through the IB, we embraced the same struggles.
Now we specialize in helping people like you dismantle them.
