Overview
For the IB Diploma Programme, predicted grades shape your university offers — but many students only discover how they work after mocks. Here is what teachers submit, what admissions officers read, and how to earn predictions that reflect your real level.
Understanding the IB Predicted grades assessment
Predicted grades are teacher estimates of your final 1–7 per subject, submitted to universities (UCAS, Common App, etc.) before exams. They are not set by the IBO and are not official results.
Markbands and what examiners reward
For the IB Diploma Programme, teachers base predictions on mock exams, IA progress, coursework, and trajectory. Consistent performance across mocks matters more than one brilliant week.
A past paper workflow that actually works
For the IB Diploma Programme, treat mocks as prediction drivers — full timed papers, honest marking. Ask teachers what evidence they use. Improve IA drafts early; they signal final ability.
Paper-specific tips
Document improvement: if mocks rise, share the trend. If one subject lags, show an action plan (past paper schedule, tutoring, criterion practice).
Common pitfalls
For the IB Diploma Programme, assuming predictions are negotiable without evidence; ignoring IA; surprise weak mocks in final term; universities seeing inflated predictions that finals do not match.
Using MarkScheme across the diploma
MarkScheme hosts [760+ free IB lessons](/ib/courses) across sciences, humanities, languages, maths, arts, and Core — each syllabus point links to [topic practice](/ib/past-papers/biology-hl#ib-topic-practice) and [criterion marking](/mark). See the [free courses guide](/blog/ib-free-courses-guide) and [diploma past papers guide](/blog/ib-diploma-past-papers-guide).
Frequently asked questions
This section covers Frequently asked questions — what IB examiners reward most often in past papers and coursework.
Can predictions change?
Schools may update before results — policies vary. Never assume a verbal promise equals the submitted figure.
Do universities trust predictions?
They know the system — offers align with predictions, finals must meet conditions. Inflated predictions hurt if you miss offers.
TOK/EE predictions?
Bonus points are often estimated separately — strong EE drafts help the overall profile.