Hi! So I’m currently studying in the IB and we have just got our IB Year 1 marks and I have got 3s and 4s in six subjects except for ESS where I have got a 7. In my school, predictions are based on the Year 1 marks and almost nothing else. The teachers are also very strict and nothing can sway them from giving the predicted that they believe is appropriate. I have a feeling that my predicted score will probably be around 22. I want to apply for uni in the UK but I dont know what to do because they only look at your predicted grades (I am also an international student). I know I can and will do significantly better in the final but I dont know what to do because my family isn’t very rich and me taking a gap year will be difficult for my family. I guess I open to any kind of advice with regard to applying for uni because right now I am very lost and feel hopeless.
Try asking the student room forum. How will you afford UK schools on international rates? They are not cheap. COL in the UK is high. Look closer ot home, line up your aspirations to your likely score.
If your hope that you will get significantly higher grades in the final exam than predicted is well founded and not the result of magical thinking, then Clearing/Adjustment is your friend.
This is a process which allows students who have either not got the grades they needed, or as you hope, done much better than expected, to get a place at the last minute. You’ll need to apply initially with your predictions, and hopefully get something, but then when you have your results you can try to trade up. The very top universities and most oversubscribed courses don’t take part, but there are usually some surprisingly good opportunities.
If it doesn’t work out, could you get a job during a gap year?
Can you switch some subjects in order to maximize scores of 4-5? For instance, switch to a foreign language ab initio instead of SL, have your language A become Language B, math HL become SL… ?
What subjects are you currently taking, beside ESS?
As you know, you need a 24 to pass, so your teachers won’t be able to say you’re on track to graduate AND maintain you’ll get a 22.
If you anticipate getting 28+ then apply to 4Uk universities on ucas that typically have these entry requirements and if they turn you down you’ll have adjustment plus clearing.
If that doesn’t work, plan on a gap year where you work.
If you can get a 24 some US universities, especially in Florida, Virginia, and Nebraska, will grant you admission and credit for your 4/5s.