Strategies to Consider When Your Projected IB Grades aren't High Enough for College Admission: 7 Clever Approaches
When predicted IB grades are lower than desired and could potentially affect university applications, it's essential to respond strategically. Here's a guide on how to approach the situation effectively.
Communicate with Your School and Teachers
Understand the reasons behind the lower prediction and ask whether there's any possibility of reassessment or remarking of internal assessments or predicted grades. Teachers may be able to provide insight or advocate for you if necessary.
Evaluate Your University Choices
Identify where your current predicted score places you in relation to admission requirements. For instance, many top US universities expect IB scores around 36 or higher, but some give credit for scores of 5 or 6 in Higher Level subjects, which may still keep options open.
Strengthen Other Parts of Your Application
Focus on personal statements, letters of recommendation, portfolios (if applicable), and extracurricular achievements to make your profile more competitive despite the predicted grading shortfall.
Stay Aware of University Policies
Be mindful of university policies on post-application changes, such as UCAS Clearing or Adjustment (for UK applicants), as these can offer routes to alternative courses or institutions if your final results do not meet offers.
Act Promptly and Calmly
Seeking advice quickly, as soon as lower predicted grades are known, preserves options and enables time to appeal or adjust plans effectively. Emotional composure and early action correlate with better outcomes after exam setbacks.
If the predicted grades are just below required offers, requesting a remark or moderation of internal assessments (IAs, Extended Essay, or TOK predictions) might be worthwhile but carries risks, as grades can go down as well as up. Consulting your teachers helps weigh these risks.
Remember that some universities are flexible and holistic in their admissions, considering ongoing coursework, portfolios, or additional assessments beyond predicted grades. For US applications, strong performance in IB is advantageous, earning credit or advanced standing, but if predictions are low, emphasizing your strengths in essays and recommendations and applying broadly may help compensate.
Overall, a strategic response combines clear communication, careful evaluation of university requirements, strengthening other application elements, considering appeal mechanisms, and timely action to mitigate the impact of lower-than-expected IB predicted grades on university admissions.
If you're applying to specific universities or countries, tailored advice can be provided to suit your circumstances. For example, it's possible to improve IA or EE scores to boost predicted grades; ask your teacher for guidance. If you do better than expected in final exams, consider applying to other universities during Clearing or with a gap year plan. It's also possible to change university choices after submitting an application.
Your final IB exam score still matters, even after predicted grades. Use platforms like RevisionDojo to focus and revise effectively for IB exams. In the US and other regions, waitlists and second rounds give students another shot at university entry. Focus on subjects where you can still gain points quickly during IB exam revisions.
Stay motivated during this time by sticking to a smart revision plan, using ethical support tools like RevisionDojo, and remembering that you are not defined by your predicted grade. A gap year can be a valid option if you're motivated to improve and reapply strategically with low predicted grades. In the UK, UCAS Clearing helps students find university spots after final results.
- Engage in education-and-self-development activities to foster personal-growth and learning, which can strengthen other parts of your application and improve your competitiveness despite lower-than-expected IB predicted grades.
- If you're applying to universities known for considering ongoing coursework and holistic admissions, focus on demonstrating your strengths in essays, recommendations, and extracurricular achievements to offset the impact of lower predicted grades.
