What is an average IB score?

The average IB score generally hovers around 30-32 points, with recent years seeing averages like 30.58 (2025) and 30.32 (2024), but scores vary by session (May/November) and can fluctuate. A score of 38+ is considered very strong for top universities, while scores in the high 30s to low 40s are competitive for Ivy Leagues and Oxbridge, with a perfect 45 being rare.

What is the average IB score?

What's the Global Average IB Score? Each year, the global average varies slightly: Typical average: 29–31 points. Around 80% of students pass the IB.

What is considered a good IB score?

Here's a breakdown of what different IB scores represent:

• 45 Points. Perfect score; extremely rare. ...
• 40–44 Points. Excellent performance. ...
• 35–39 Points. Very strong academic achievement. ...
• 30–34 Points. Above average score. ...
• 24–29 Points. Minimum pass range. ...
• Below 24 Points. Diploma not awarded.

What is the average IB score for Harvard?

Multiple sources and admissions experts suggest that Harvard applicants typically have: Crimson Education: Average Harvard IB applicants score around 42. Clastify: Accepted student range is 42–44.

How rare is a 7 in IB?

A grade of 7 in the IB is quite rare, considered "excellent," and achieved by roughly the top 8% of students globally, though this varies by subject, with some like Math HL or Physics HL being harder to get 7s in than others, while getting a perfect 45 (all 7s) is exceptionally rare, achieved by only about 1-2% of students. 

What is the average IB score for Harvard University?

Is IB harder than ap?

Yes, the IB Diploma is generally considered harder and more demanding than taking individual AP classes due to its holistic, integrated curriculum requiring extensive critical thinking, research (Extended Essay), community service (CAS), and philosophical reflection (Theory of Knowledge), alongside rigorous subject exams (both Standard and Higher Level), whereas AP is more subject-focused with a heavier emphasis on end-of-year exams, though specific difficulty depends on the school, teacher, and student strengths. 

Is 75% a 7 in IB?

A 75% in IB is often close to or within the range for a Grade 7, but it depends heavily on the subject, level (HL/SL), and the specific grade boundaries set for that exam session, which fluctuate; for some subjects like Math AA SL, 75% might be a 7, while in others like English HL, it might only be a 6.
 

Does Harvard prefer IB or AP?

Harvard doesn't prefer IB over AP; they value students who challenge themselves with rigorous coursework, whether it's the IB Diploma, a suite of AP classes, or other advanced options, demonstrating academic preparedness and intellectual curiosity within their school's available offerings. Both are respected for preparing students for college, with focus on depth in subjects and strong performance, though Harvard uses scores for placement rather than direct degree credit. 

What is the average IB score for UCLA?

Competitive applicants typically achieve high marks, primarily A1 grades or scores above 90. International Baccalaureate (IB): Students enrolled in IB schools are expected to earn scores of 5 or higher on IB exams, and most admitted students score 38+/42 points on the IB Diploma.

What IB score is needed for Oxford?

International Baccalaureate

A total score of 38, 39 or 40 points (depending on the course) including core points, with 6s and 7s in subjects taken at the Higher level. Please visit the individual course pages for details.

What is the average IB score for MIT?

MIT's average IB score for admitted students is 43 out of 45. It's important to note that many students who gain admission do not submit IB scores, yet those who do achieve this high average. This score reflects the competitive standards expected from applicants at MIT.

What is a 4.0 GPA in IB?

If your school requires a GPA for IB grades, here's how a student scoring 7, 6, 6, 5, 5, and 4 might convert: IB 7 → 4.0 GPA. IB 6 → 3.7 GPA. IB 6 → 3.7 GPA.

Is 90% a 7 in IB?

Scoring 80% or above on an IB exam often places you within the range needed for a level 7, especially in subjects where the grade boundaries are tight. However, this varies by subject, exam paper, and year.

What is the average IB score for Yale?

Average IB Score

Yale University's IB average score for admitted students is 43 out of a maximum of 45.

How rare is 40 in IB?

A predicted IB score of 40 places you in the top 7–10% of IB students globally. Considering that the worldwide average IB score hovers around 30–32, a 40 is elite.

What is the hardest subject in IB?

What is the hardest IB class? Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches (AA) HL is often considered the hardest due to its abstract mathematical concepts and problem-solving requirements. Other challenging subjects include Physics HL, History HL, and English Literature HL.

What is a competitive IB score for ivy?

What is considered a competitive IB score for admission to Ivy League schools? Ivy League schools typically look for IB scores of 38 or higher.

What is the average IB score for Princeton?

Princeton University reports an average IB score of 43 out of a possible 45 for admitted students who submit IB results. It's important to note that a significant number of students admitted do not have IB scores, but those who do maintain this high average.

What is the average IB score for NYU?

42-44. New York University sets its IB score range for admissions between a 25th percentile of 42 and a 75th percentile of 44. Being within this range does not guarantee admission; however, scores closer to the upper end are viewed more favorably.

Is IB more impressive than AP?

Because the IB is a global program, the scores for these exams are more widely accepted in universities and colleges all over the world. Because there are more score ranges in the IB, the highest-ranked students are truly the top in their class, while in AP there is a wider range in each level.

What is the #1 hardest AP class?

While it varies by student, AP Physics 1 is frequently cited as the #1 hardest AP class due to low pass rates, complex algebra-based concepts, and intensive lab work, with other top contenders for difficulty including AP U.S. History, AP Environmental Science, and AP English Language. The difficulty often comes from content overload, conceptual depth, and demands for hands-on application, making it challenging for many students to score high. 

Is 37 a bad IB score?

Strong IB scores matter greatly for admission to top US and UK universities. Competitive applicants typically report totals in the high 30s to low 40s. Scores of 38+ are viewed as solid. For Ivy League schools, applicants generally aim for 40‑42.

What is the hardest IB class to get a 7?

The hardest IB subjects to get a 7 often include Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches HL, Chemistry HL, Physics HL, Economics HL, and English Literature HL, due to complex concepts, high mathematical rigor, abstract thinking, and demanding assessments, though difficulty is subjective and depends on individual strengths. Subjects like History HL, Computer Science HL, and certain language A/B courses are also frequently cited as challenging because of extensive content, critical analysis, or high boundaries. 

What is 4.0 GPA in IB?

IB Grade 7 = 4.0 GPA. IB Grade 6 = 3.7 GPA (sometimes 3.6 or 3.8) IB Grade 5 = 3.3 GPA (sometimes 3.0 or 3.4) IB Grade 4 = 3.0 GPA (sometimes 2.0, 2.3 or 2.7)

How rare is a 45 IB score?

Globally, only 1–2% of students score a 45 each year. In 2023, about 2,600 out of ~180,000 students hit the mark. 45s are more common in: Schools with strong IB support systems.