IB Scores to Get into a Top US or UK University 📈

If you’re looking to apply to top universities in the US or the UK, you should know that your IB scores count. What you score does not only reflect how intelligent you are but also reflects the kind of commitment and dedication you have toward your studies. Remember that these top-tier universities are looking for students who are very dedicated to their studies.
Not just that, but they want people who are well-rounded individuals and know how to work toward what they want. Not only should they be great at academics, but they should also possess a range of other skills that make them great at what they do.
So if you are looking to get into top-tier US and UK universities, then let’s try to find out more about what kind of scores they are looking at and how they view you as a student based on these scores.
US Universities
For top-tier US universities, you will not find any exact cut-off scores that they require for the IB diploma program. Overall, you will be required to have a mix of sixes and sevens in the subjects that you opt for if you wish to apply to an Ivy League or any other top university.
If you score in the 40’s, that shows up as positive. It increases your competitiveness and proves you are a very committed and dedicated student. However, anything over a 38 is considered to be sound. Anything below a 36 is not considered good if you are looking at the Ivies.
What is a good IB score for Ivy League?
The Ivies want students who are exceptional at what they do. Remember that all the IB students who get into the Ivies are the ones who are exceptional at their studies. They know exactly what they have to do and how to get it done. So to be in line with them, you have to prove that you are good at what you do and know exactly how to get things done correctly.
If you want to apply to the Ivies and you have a score lower than 36, then your application has to be outstanding on the whole. Remember that this is very important for you to do a good job and for your application to be considered good. Now, let’s try to find out more one by one about IB score requirements for universities.
This table will help you get a sound idea about these minimum IB scores for top US universities. Remember that we are talking about MINIMUM, not an average grade here.
University in the US |
Minimum IB Score Required for Admission the US |
Harvard |
42 |
Princeton |
42 |
Yale |
40 |
Columbia |
40 |
Brown |
40 |
U Penn |
38 |
Cornell |
38 |
Dartmouth |
37 |
Stanford |
40 |
Duke |
40 |
MIT |
40 |
Northwestern |
37 |
U Chicago |
36 |
UC Berkeley |
37 |
UCLA |
37 |
NYU |
37 |
If you wish to get into any of these top-tier universities, then you have to work hard. Remember that you have to outshine as a student, and that can only happen when you put in all the hard work that is required from your end. You have to outshine as a student because these universities want to see what value you as a student add to them also.
If you are interested in Hravard IB score requirements, you can check one of our latest article that you can find by following the link.
Remember that to score high as an IB student; you have to work hard and put in your hundred percent in what you do. You need to believe in yourself as a student and know that you can do whatever you set your head to. With that kind of approach, it definitely becomes much easier for you to work your way through your goals.
Roy T Bennett says:
“Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine.”
Work hard and believe in yourself. When you do that, you will definitely see much better results as well. As a student, you need to learn how to give in your best in what you do. When you do that, you will definitely see results.
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Now let’s move on to learn more about IB scores for other top-tier universities worldwide.
UK Universities
In the UK, universities take into account your overall mark in the IB diploma and also your performance in certain HL topics. For example, at Oxford University, you must have a total of 38 points in the DP and at least a six in three HL subjects to be considered for the English Language and Literature program at Christchurch College.
Let’s take a look at the IB score requirements for competitive courses.
University | Course | IB Cut-off |
---|---|---|
University of Cambridge | Natural Sciences | 40 points + 7/7/6 at higher level |
University College London | History | 39 points + 19 at higher level |
University of Oxford | English | 38 points + 6/6/6 at higher level |
Bristol University | Maths | 38 points + 6/6 at higher level |
Durham University | Law | 36 points + 6/6/6 at higher level |
Specifically, the IB score requirements differ greatly based on the degree, but they stay within a very narrow range. You should also focus on those IB subjects that are connected with your desired course in a college or university.
In the table below, you can find the different IB scores required for TOP UK universities.
University in the UK |
Minimum IB Score Required for Admission in the UK |
Oxford |
38 |
Cambridge |
40 |
UCL |
35 |
Imperial |
38 |
Edinburgh |
37 |
Kings College |
40 |
LSE |
37 |
Manchester |
32 |
Warwick |
34 |
St Andrews |
34 |
So now that you have your question answered of what IB scores do I need to get into a top US or UK university, it is time we learn more about how these top-tier universities view the IB Diploma program.
Essentially, these universities are looking for students who are highly motivated on the inside to achieve big and to work their way towards bigger heights. For that, you require discipline, commitment, and a lot of individual studies.
Remember that as a student who has to achieve a lot in time, you need to have the right approach toward your studies. That is the only way that you can make it big and get into the university of your dreams. With so many thousands of applicants, these universities are only looking for the best of the best students.
So you have to make a mark in a way that shows that you are different from the rest and that you stand out. To do that, you need to work hard to get where you have to. You need to believe in yourself and you must give in your hundred percent to what you are doing.
These highly ranked universities expect you to excel in every academic area and participate in extracurricular activities like athletics and strength building. You are expected to do some volunteer work too.
They want to see the different ways you have it in you to stand out from the rest and do what is expected of you, and for that, you have to go out of the way to show the examiner what you’ve got. Remember how important this is for you to highlight your strength as a candidate who has it in them to go above and beyond with things.
Summing up IB score requirements for universities
With an IB diploma, you can prove that you challenge yourself and work toward getting what you want. You must show that you are in no way afraid of challenges and that you can get what you set your head to. They understand that hard work and dedication are needed from your end to achieve this, so you have to be one to work very hard to get this.
Additionally, it also shows that you have a breadth of knowledge and that you have things sorted in your head with regard to what you want to do or achieve.
This is one of the most important things if you wish to achieve what you have in mind. Because in the future, high chance that you will be one of the graduate students who were recruited to top companies. It also shows that you are well-rounded and that you know how to work your way through things. With this in mind, slowly start progressing toward your goals! Good luck on your journey!


Vasy Kafidoff
Vasyl Kafidoff is a co-founder and CEO at Writing Metier. He is interested in education and the ways modern technology makes it easier. As an educational specialist, he wants to bring awareness about new learning possibilities.
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