Your IB predicted grade can influence university applications, so it is natural to wonder:

“How does my teacher decide whether I am predicted a 5, 6 or 7?”

A predicted grade isn't simply your latest test score. Teachers usually consider multiple pieces of evidence and their professional judgement of how you are likely to perform in the final IB assessment.

There is also no single universal formula that every IB school uses to calculate predicted grades.

So, what actually matters?

What Do Teachers Consider?

The important point is the overall pattern, rather than one isolated result.

A student who consistently performs around a 6 gives stronger evidence for a 6 prediction than a student who gets one 7 but regularly scores 4s and 5s.

Is There a Fixed Formula for IB Predicted Grades?

No.

Teachers don't simply add up your marks and divide them to produce a predicted grade.

Schools may have their own systems for reviewing evidence, while teachers also consider the relevant IB assessment criteria, grade descriptors and the student's performance over time.

This means two students with similar individual scores may not necessarily receive identical predictions.

Do Mock Exams Determine Your Predicted Grade?

Not by themselves.

Mocks are useful because they show how you perform with:

• Time limits
• Exam-style questions
• Subject-specific command terms
• Independent application of knowledge

But one mock is still only one piece of evidence.

If your performance has improved significantly after your mock, later assessments may provide stronger evidence of your current level.

Does Your IA Affect Your Predicted Grade?

Your IA can provide useful evidence because it demonstrates how well you can apply subject knowledge and meet the relevant assessment criteria.

However, a strong IA doesn't automatically mean you'll receive a high predicted grade for the whole subject.

Teachers need to consider your overall subject performance, not one component in isolation.

Can You Raise Your IB Predicted Grade?

A predicted grade can change when there is convincing new evidence of your academic performance.

Instead of simply asking, “Can you increase my predicted grade?”, build evidence that supports the request.

1. Identify the gap

Find out exactly where marks are being lost—knowledge, analysis, application, structure, timing or exam technique.

2. Practise under realistic conditions

Untimed practice is useful for learning. Timed practice shows whether you can apply those skills independently.

3. Track your performance

Look for a pattern across tests, mocks and other assessed work rather than focusing on your highest score.

4. Use feedback properly

Don't just read teacher comments. Turn recurring feedback into specific actions for your next assessment.

5. Show improvement consistently

A sustained improvement trend is more meaningful than one unusually high result.

What Doesn't Automatically Raise a Predicted Grade?

“I studied for many hours.”

Effort matters, but assessed performance provides stronger evidence.

“I got one 7.”

One result doesn't necessarily establish a consistent level.

“My friend has a higher prediction.”

Predicted grades are based on your own evidence.

“The university asks for a 6.”

A university requirement doesn't determine the academic prediction your teacher should give.

A Simple Way to Strengthen Your Evidence

Use this cycle:

Identify → Practise → Assess → Review → Repeat

Find the weakness. Practise the specific skill. Test yourself under realistic conditions. Review the result. Then repeat the process with the next weakness.

This creates a clearer picture of progress than simply completing more revision hours.

What If Your Predicted Grade Doesn't Reflect Your Current Level?

Start with evidence.

Review your recent assessments, mock performance, coursework and teacher feedback. If your results show a sustained improvement, discuss that evidence with your teacher and understand how your school's prediction process works.

For students who need more targeted support, Mentor Match provides personalised 1:1 IB tutoring, with support aligned to the student's curriculum, subject, level and learning gaps.

The focus is not simply on completing more work. It is on identifying the academic gap, building a targeted learning path and tracking progress.

Book Your Free Demo Class.

FAQs

How are IB predicted grades calculated?

There is no single IB-wide calculation formula. Schools and teachers may use different processes based on assessment evidence, performance trends and academic judgement.

Does my mock exam determine my predicted grade?

No. A mock is one important piece of evidence, but teachers can consider performance across multiple assessments and over time.

Can my IB predicted grade increase?

It can, depending on your school's process and whether new evidence demonstrates a sustained improvement in your performance.

Does the IA affect predicted grades?

IA performance can contribute useful evidence, but it is normally considered alongside your wider subject performance rather than determining the prediction by itself.

What is the best way to improve my predicted grade?

Identify your specific academic gaps, practise those areas under realistic conditions, use feedback and build consistent evidence of improvement.

Can IB tutoring help improve my predicted grade?

Targeted 1:1 tutoring can help identify learning gaps, strengthen subject-specific skills and build a more consistent level of performance. Mentor Match matches students with curriculum-trained tutors based on their subject, level and learning needs.

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