IB Predicted Grade Planner & Calculator - Plan Your Diploma Score

Calculate and plan your IB predicted grades with our comprehensive planner. Input current grades, target scores, and subject choices to see projected IB Diploma points, university competitiveness, and strategic recommendations for achieving your goals.

Understanding IB Predicted Grades

IB Grade Descriptors

TOK/EE Bonus Points Matrix

Formula for IB Diploma Score

Predicted Grade Score Ranges

Worked Examples

How Teachers Determine Predicted Grades

Common Misconceptions

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I receive my predicted grades?

Most IB schools provide official predicted grades in October-November of your final year (IB2), timed for university applications. Some schools give preliminary predictions in May-June of IB1 for early planning. Teachers continuously assess your progress but formalize predictions based on sufficient evidence: IAs, mocks, and consistent classwork. If applying to universities with earlier deadlines (e.g., Oxford/Cambridge October deadline, US colleges November), request predictions early. Teachers need time—don't expect predictions generated overnight. The prediction process involves departmental discussions and school approval, typically taking 2-4 weeks after your mock exams in September/October of IB2.

Can predicted grades change after being submitted?

Yes, but rarely and only with justification. Schools can update predictions if significant new evidence emerges: major mock exam score changes, completed IAs dramatically exceeding expectations, or conversely, performance declines. Universities receive updated predictions if changes occur before offers are made. However, schools avoid frequent changes—they damage credibility with universities. Don't expect predictions to change just because you "feel" you'll do better. Changes require concrete evidence. Some schools have cutoff dates for prediction changes (typically December-January). After university offers are made, prediction changes don't affect conditional offers already issued. Focus on meeting your predicted grades rather than seeking changes post-submission.

What if my predicted grades are lower than I expected?

Disappointment with predictions is common but addressable. First: request a meeting with subject teachers to understand their reasoning and evidence basis. Ask specifically: "What would I need to demonstrate for a higher prediction?" This shows maturity and provides actionable goals. Second: focus areas for improvement—complete strong IAs, excel in upcoming mocks, demonstrate consistent effort. Third: consider prediction timelines—early predictions (June IB1) can improve by October IB2 with sustained effort. Fourth: remember universities often accept students who don't perfectly meet predictions if they demonstrate potential through personal statements, interviews, and references. Finally: realistic predictions help you apply appropriately rather than disappointingly missing unrealistic offers.

Should I choose university courses based on predicted grades?

Yes, predicted grades should guide university choices, but don't limit yourself entirely. Apply to a range: reach schools (requiring 1-2 points above predictions), target schools (matching predictions), and safety schools (2-3 points below). Example with 36 predicted: reach for courses requiring 38-39, target courses requiring 35-37, safety requiring 32-33. This balanced approach maximizes chances while maintaining ambition. Consider: (1) Some students exceed predictions through exam performance; (2) Personal statements and interviews can compensate for slightly lower predictions; (3) Different courses within universities have varying requirements. Don't only apply to reaches or only to safeties—balanced applications provide insurance while pursuing goals. Guidance counselors can advise on realistic versus aspirational applications based on prediction reliability at your school.

Do universities verify predicted grades with schools?

Yes, universities receive predicted grades directly from schools through official channels (UCAS for UK, Common App counselor forms for US, or direct school submissions). You cannot self-report different predictions. Schools send official transcripts including predictions alongside teacher references. Universities trust school predictions but occasionally query unusually high predictions that seem inconsistent with other application elements. Schools' prediction credibility matters—if a school consistently over-predicts, universities may discount future predictions. This is why teachers are conservative with predictions; their professional reputation and school relationships with universities are at stake. Never inflate predictions on applications—mismatches between what you report and official transcripts damage credibility and can result in offer withdrawal.

Can I still get into university if I miss my predicted grades?

Yes, many students receive university places despite missing predicted grades in final exams, though this depends on circumstances. UK universities with conditional offers may still accept you if you narrowly miss (e.g., 37 instead of predicted 38) or if your subject-specific grades are strong (required HL subjects at target grades even if overall total slightly lower). US colleges don't typically rescind admission unless final grades show dramatic declines or failure to graduate. Universities understand prediction imperfections—they're more concerned with students who massively under-perform (>3 points below), suggesting predictions were unrealistic. If you miss predictions, contact universities immediately explaining circumstances (illness, personal issues). Many schools have adjustment/clearing processes for close misses. Honesty and proactive communication matter.