Does Harvard Accept International Baccalaureate (IB)? What is the minimum score accepted? | World Schools (2024)

FAQs

Does Harvard Accept International Baccalaureate (IB)? What is the minimum score accepted? | World Schools? ›

There is no minimum or average IB score for Harvard, this TOP uni encourages you to have higher-level IB subjects to increase your chances of getting in. And, of course, you should score the highest rates for each of these HL IB subjects.

Harvard University

Harvard University's IB score range is 39-44.

Yes. Applicants may provide self-reported SAT and ACT test scores (including Subject Tests, Advanced Placement, IB, etc.).

The IB diploma is awarded to students who meet the subject requirements, receive a minimum score of 24 points, and satisfactorily complete the core components, including extended essay, theory of knowledge, and creativity, action, service. The highest total available for a Diploma Programme student is 45 points.

While there are no strict International Baccalaureate (IB) score requirements, achieving a total IB score of 40 points or higher showcases a student's dedication, intellectual prowess, and ability to excel in a rigorous academic program like the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP).

A good IB score is subjective and depends on individual goals and aspirations. However, a score of 30 or above is generally considered to be a good IB score. A score of 30 points places a student in the 50th percentile, meaning they performed better than 50% of all IB candidates worldwide.

Harvard does not explicitly state a preference for IB or AP courses. To receive credit for IB classes, accepted students must earn an IB diploma.

In terms of difficulty, it really depends on your academic strengths and preferences. Some students find AP more challenging due to the depth of content, while others might find IB more difficult because of its holistic approach.

Students who take IB classes in high school have higher acceptance rates into Ivy League schools, but this doesn't necessarily mean a higher acceptance rate than AP students; it just means that IB students have a higher acceptance rate than the general application pool.

Both academic options are looked on favorably by colleges and universities, and both can help earn a student college credit, depending on exam scores. The IB is increasing in popularity in the United States, especially among international families and students who hope to study abroad.

How many people fail IB? ›

The pass rate has plummeted from 86.11% in 2022 to just 79.35% in 2023 – a seven-point drop that suggests that the 2023 IB examinations were more challenging than those in previous years and that the IB have rowed back on granting further leeway to students who will have been impacted by the Covid years. .

A score in the 40s will increase your academic competitiveness (note that many non-academic elements are in play), but a 38 or higher is still regarded as a strong IB score. You don't want to drop below the 36-point threshold if you're going for the Ivies.

Good IB scores—as with any academic qualifications—are subjective, being highly dependent on a student's target university (and country) and preferred course. All IB students are required to score a minimum of 24 points for six subjects. The average IB scores throughout the years have varied between 28-30 points.

US Universities

A total score in the 40s will make you a more competitive candidate academically (note: a lot of non-academic factors are at play), but a 38+ is considered a good IB score. If you're aiming for the Ivies, you certainly don't want to be dipping below the 36 mark.

Unlike their UK counterparts, US universities don't release official cut-off scores for the IB Diploma. Based on what the Oxbridge universities in the UK expect from IB applicants, an overall grade of 38+ would be well received by the Ivy Leagues. For the more selective universities, you're looking at around 40+.

A score of 41 points suggests an at- average likelihood of a II. 1 or a First; a score of 42 points suggests a better-than-average likelihood. The likelihood of a II. 1 or a First increases noticeably for scores above 42.

The tutors report that many of the IB students aim for 43 to 45 points, which will give them a good chance of getting into the most competitive degree courses in local universities and top universities overseas.

44 is an amazing score for an IB student. It is the dream of every student to get anything higher than 40. With that score, you can get into top universities of the world, such as Harvard, Oxbridge, MIT, etc. Obviously the better your score the more that you stand out.