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How To Convert IB to UCAS Points
Contents
UCAS Points are universities’ method of translating your grades and qualifications into a numerical value. You need a certain number of Points to get into each UK university.
Most people know the Points value of A-Levels. However, if like 4,500 UK students (and 1.4m worldwide) you take the IB Diploma, you’ll also need to know how to convert your IB to UCAS points.
This article will show you how to calculate the number of UCAS Points your Score is worth.
Explaining IB Scores
To convert IB to UCAS, you have to understand IB Scores. IB Scores are made up of Points. These are awarded according to your assessed performance in each subject – they’re your grades, or marks.
The IB Diploma scores your performance in each subject by awarding between 1 and 7 points, with 7 Points being the best outcome. You can’t receive 1s in any subject, or too many 2s or 3s, if you want to pass. which is why many students choose to hire an IB tutor.
In addition to this, you can get up to 3 more points for your 1,600-word TOK (Theory of Knowledge) essay (which focuses on epistemology) and for your 4,000-word Extended Essay, graded from A to E. That’s a lot of writing!
To recap, the best scores possible in each component of your IB are:
- Higher/Advanced level: 21 IB points
- Standard level: 21 IB points
- IB Core: 3 IB points.
Your Score is your overall accumulation of all of these. A minimum of 24 points is a ‘pass’, allowing you to get your IB Diploma. The best score possible is 45 points.
The ‘holistic’ emphasis of the overall Score in the IB Diploma is why you can sometimes pass well with quite uneven Points in your subjects! If you get higher marks in your advanced subjects, but relatively low marks in your standard subjects, it’ll all even out when you get your overall Score!
This overall score is what we’re working with when we convert IB to UCAS.
Equivalent Scores and Grades
If we want to convert IB to UCAS points, we can start by working in terms of traditional ‘letter’ grades.
According to UCAS, 5 IB Points is equivalent to 5 grade A*s in A-Levels. They say 40 points, therefore, is the equivalent of 4 grade A*s in A-Levels. Then 35 points is equivalent to 2 grade A*s and 1 grade A, etcetera. The diagram in this article shows universities’ assessments of equivalent ‘letter’ grades.
By this metric, a fair-to-middling score of 30 IB points, only 6 points over a pass, is equivalent to three and a half traditional As! This is high enough in terms of UCAS tariff points to gain admission to most good universities. Only Oxbridge or some Russell Group universities would require higher results.
Have a look at our comprehensive set of IB Resources that include IB Study Notes, IB Past Papers and IB Practice Questions, developed by expert IB teachers and examiners!
How to Directly Convert IB to UCAS
It’s also possible to convert IB points to UCAS tariff points directly! You just need to know your Points in each IB component (see above) and your total Score to easily convert IB to UCAS.
Both UCAS and a lot of universities take your Higher/Advanced subject Points as the most important numbers, so they earn the most UCAS tariff points.
Take a look at how Higher/Advanced subjects convert from IB to UCAS:
- Grade 7 = 56 UCAS points
- Grade 6 = 48 UCAS points
- Grade 5 = 32 UCAS points
- Grade 4 = 24 UCAS points
- Grade 3 = 12 UCAS points
- Grades 2 and 1 = 0 UCAS points.
To convert IB to UCAS on your Higher/Advanced subject Points, take your three subject grades, find the corresponding UCAS tariff points, and add them all up. For example, a promising student with grades 7, 6, 5, would earn a brilliant 136 UCAS points! That’s already an AAB in A-Levels.
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We can also convert your Standard subjects in your IB to UCAS points. Standard level grades are worth precisely half the UCAS points as Higher/Advanced subject grades.
Let’s take Standard subject Points and convert IB to UCAS:
- Grade 7 = 28 UCAS points
- Grade 6 = 24 UCAS points
- Grade 5 = 16 UCAS points
- Grade 4 = 12 UCAS points
- Grade 3 = 6 UCAS points
- Grades 2 and 1 = 0 UCAS points
Now, take your three standard subject grades and convert IB to UCAS! You add these onto your Higher/Advanced total. For example, a student with 6, 6, 4 on their Standard subjects would earn 60 more UCAS points to add to their total.
IB Core – the extended essay and Theory of Knowledge components – is normally graded from A to E, and this is how you convert IB to UCAS here:
- Grade A = 12 UCAS points
- Grade B = 10 UCAS points
- Grade C = 8 UCAS points
- Grade D = 6 UCAS points
- Grade E = 4 UCAS points.
This means, for example, a student scoring A in their extended essay, and a B in their Theory of Knowledge (TOK) essay would earn 22 more points to add to their total!
So overall, if we convert IB to UCAS, this imaginary student would have converted their Score into 218 points. That’s almost four A*s at A-Level!
A senior IB tutor in Switzerland said:
"Remember, every point counts in the IB. Prioritise understanding over memorisation, especially in subjects you're less confident in. A solid grasp of the basics can boost your overall score and UCAS points, making a big difference in your university applications."
Preparing for the IB
Successfully navigating the International Baccalaureate (IB) program requires careful preparation and strategic planning. Here are some effective strategies to enhance your IB preparation:
- Utilise IB Resources: Take advantage of specialised IB study materials, including study notes, past papers, and practice questions developed by experienced IB educators and examiners. These resources provide valuable insights into the types and formats of questions you can expect.
- Engage with IB Tutors: Consider hiring a tutor for important subjects, such as an IB Maths tutor for personalised guidance on complex mathematical concepts and problem-solving strategies. Additionally, IB TOK tutors and IB Extended Essay tutors can help enhance your understanding of critical thinking and research skills, vital for success in these core components of the IB curriculum.
- Time Management Skills: Learn to manage your time efficiently, balancing IB coursework with extracurricular activities. Effective time management is crucial for coping with the demanding IB curriculum and can help prevent burnout.
- Regular Practice: Consistent practice is key to mastering IB subjects. Regularly test yourself under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy, which are crucial during exams.
- Seek Feedback: Regularly seek feedback on your performance from instructors. Constructive feedback can help identify areas of improvement and refine your study approach.
- Develop Study Strategies: Work with your online tutor to develop effective study strategies that cater to your learning style. This can include creating study schedules, summarising information, and practicing active recall.
Incorporating these strategies into your IB preparation plan can significantly increase your chances of success, making the rigorous program more manageable and less stressful.
An expert IB tutor in Netherlands advised that:
"I always advise my students to focus on consistency and balance. While it's essential to excel in Higher Level subjects to maximize UCAS points, don't neglect Standard Level subjects and the Core components. A well-rounded score can make all the difference when converting your IB points to UCAS points. Regular practice, effective time management, and seeking feedback are key strategies to ensure success in every aspect of the IB Diploma."
Final Thoughts
If you're applying to UK universities as an IB student, you can now convert your IB to UCAS Points!
Let’s go back to that imaginary student.
After they convert IB to UCAS, they got 136 points from their Higher/Advanced subjects, 60 from their Standard subjects, and 22 from their IB Core. In total, they gained 218 UCAS points. This score tells them if they’ll meet their dream university’s entry requirements – in fact, it’s enough for Oxbridge. Lucky them!
Remember – whatever number you get after converting your IB to UCAS, it’s always worth feeding into the UCAS tariff calculator, even just to double-check!
FAQ
How does the UCAS tariff calculator work?
The UCAS tariff calculator is a handy tool that translates your qualifications and grades into a numerical value known as UCAS points. This system allows universities to compare different types of qualifications, which is particularly useful for international students. However, it's important to remember that not all qualifications are included in the tariff, and universities don't have to accept a qualification just because it's in the tariff tables. They also have the discretion to assign a different tariff value to a qualification than the one suggested by UCAS. Therefore, it's always a good idea to check the specific entry requirements of the universities you're interested in.
How do universities view uneven scores across different IB subjects?
Universities recognise that students have different strengths and weaknesses, and it's not uncommon for students to have uneven scores across their IB subjects. The IB is designed to assess students holistically, so even if you have lower grades in some subjects, you can still achieve a good overall score. However, universities often have specific requirements for higher-level subjects, especially for courses that are more specialised. Therefore, it's crucial to perform well in the subjects most relevant to your chosen course.
How does the UCAS system view the IB Core components?
The UCAS system acknowledges the value of the IB Core components, which include the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay. These components are designed to develop students' critical thinking and research skills, which are highly valued in higher education. UCAS assigns tariff points to these components, but the exact value can vary between universities. Some universities may place a higher value on these components than others, especially if they emphasise independent research and critical thinking skills.
Where can I find IB study and revision notes?
At TutorChase, we offer a comprehensive collection of free revision notes and questions answered by expert tutors, explore them here:
What is the maximum number of UCAS points I can earn from my IB score?
The maximum number of UCAS points you can earn from your IB score depends on your grades in your higher and standard level subjects, as well as your grades in the IB Core components. A perfect score of 45 in the IB, which includes 7s in all six subjects and an 'A' in the Extended Essay and TOK, would translate to a substantial number of UCAS points. However, the exact number can vary depending on how each university translates IB scores into UCAS points.
How can I improve my UCAS points if I'm an IB student?
Improving your UCAS points as an IB student involves focusing on your performance in your higher and standard level subjects, as well as the IB Core components. Achieving higher grades in these areas will naturally increase your UCAS points. Additionally, you can also consider completing additional qualifications that carry UCAS points, such as the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
What is the minimum IB score required for admission to UK universities?
The minimum IB score required for admission to UK universities can vary greatly depending on the university and the course. Some universities may require a minimum score of 24 (the minimum for the IB diploma), while more competitive universities and courses may require a score of 38 or higher. It's important to check the specific entry requirements for each university and course you're interested in.
How are the Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay components of the IB evaluated by UK universities?
The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Extended Essay are core components of the IB and are highly valued by UK universities. These components are designed to develop critical thinking, research skills, and a deep understanding of the nature of knowledge. Universities evaluate these components by looking at the grades achieved, which are converted into UCAS points. However, the emphasis placed on these components can vary between universities and courses, so it's always a good idea to check specific course requirements.
How does a 'pass' grade in the IB translate to UCAS points for UK university admissions?
A 'pass' grade in the IB is a score of 24. This translates to a certain number of UCAS points, which can be calculated using the UCAS tariff calculator. However, it's important to note that while a 'pass' grade may meet the minimum requirements for the IB diploma, it may not meet the entry requirements for many UK universities, especially more competitive ones. Therefore, it's crucial to aim for as high a score as possible to increase your chances of admission.
What are the best IB schools?
The best IB schools are those that provide a rigorous and challenging education that prepares students for success in university and beyond. For a complete list read our article on the Best IB Schools in the World.
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