6 answers
Sohalia
Student
Singapore
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How many IB points would you need to be able to qualify for Harvard?
#college #IB # #college-advice #college-major #grades
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6 answers
Richard A.
physician
2150
Answers
Updated
Richard’s Answer
There is not a set cutoff for the IB points you need for Harvard. Keep in mind, however, that many of the people applying are students with very high IB scores. As such, you should try to attain the best scores you can.
Rachel Weinheimer
Surgeon
1121
Answers
Amarillo, Texas
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
There is no specific number of points that you need to be a good applicant. Getting 6's or 7's on your exams does send a message of academic excellence though.
Maliaka K
Channel Manager Business Marketing
3
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New York, New York
Updated
Maliaka’s Answer
I called Harvard's admissions office. They've advised although there is no minimum IB to apply "AIM HIGH"... They encourage their students to take as many high level courses as possible and to be in the top 10% of your class.
Joseph Palmaffy
Dean of Students
15
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Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Harvard overall acceptance rate: 5.1% IB student rate: 12.2%
IB Course Credits Awarded? Yes, in a roundabout way. While Harvard does not offer credit for IB grades on a one-for-one basis, scoring a 7 on at least three HL exams will make you eligible for the Advanced Standing Program, an option that allows you to graduate a year early. Your IB exams may enable you to bypass introductory level courses (without credit) in some cases.
n the US, universities don’t release specified IB Diploma Program cut-off scores.
At least for the Ivy League and more selective colleges, you’re going to need a healthy mix of sixes and sevens (no less than six) in your subjects for a shot at admission. A score in the 40s is going to make you a more competitive candidate academically (note: a lot of non-academic factors are at play), but a 38 is considered a good grade.
If you’re aiming for the Ivies, you certainly don’t want to be dipping below the 36 mark. Even then, the rest of your application had better be pretty exceptional to compensate for a score on the lower end.
However, trawling through different universities’ admissions information pages gives us some intel on IB DP score requirements in the US.
IB Course Credits Awarded? Yes, in a roundabout way. While Harvard does not offer credit for IB grades on a one-for-one basis, scoring a 7 on at least three HL exams will make you eligible for the Advanced Standing Program, an option that allows you to graduate a year early. Your IB exams may enable you to bypass introductory level courses (without credit) in some cases.
n the US, universities don’t release specified IB Diploma Program cut-off scores.
At least for the Ivy League and more selective colleges, you’re going to need a healthy mix of sixes and sevens (no less than six) in your subjects for a shot at admission. A score in the 40s is going to make you a more competitive candidate academically (note: a lot of non-academic factors are at play), but a 38 is considered a good grade.
If you’re aiming for the Ivies, you certainly don’t want to be dipping below the 36 mark. Even then, the rest of your application had better be pretty exceptional to compensate for a score on the lower end.
However, trawling through different universities’ admissions information pages gives us some intel on IB DP score requirements in the US.
Chuck Pham
Molecular biologist
7
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Chuck’s Answer
You don't need any IB points to apply to Harvard. I have heard that oxford and international schools will accept students who get 5 IB As and pass the tests.
Wendy Li
Hardware Engineer
2
Answers
Sunnyvale, California
Updated
Wendy’s Answer
Harvard does not have any specific requirements for applying when it comes to IB points.
Here's a not so official commentary on the average IB score you should aim for. Please don't take it seriously. Remember applying to US universities is not solely score based but a holistic process that takes into regard your recommendations, your extracurriculars and essays.
"At least for the Ivy League and more selective colleges, you’re going to need a healthy mix of sixes and sevens (no less than six) in your subjects for a shot at admission.
A score in the 40s is going to make you a more competitive candidate academically (note: a lot of non-academic factors are at play), but a 38 is considered a good grade.
If you’re aiming for the Ivies, you certainly don’t want to be dipping below the 36 mark. Even then, the rest of your application had better be pretty exceptional to compensate for a score on the lower end. "
Here's a not so official commentary on the average IB score you should aim for. Please don't take it seriously. Remember applying to US universities is not solely score based but a holistic process that takes into regard your recommendations, your extracurriculars and essays.
"At least for the Ivy League and more selective colleges, you’re going to need a healthy mix of sixes and sevens (no less than six) in your subjects for a shot at admission.
A score in the 40s is going to make you a more competitive candidate academically (note: a lot of non-academic factors are at play), but a 38 is considered a good grade.
If you’re aiming for the Ivies, you certainly don’t want to be dipping below the 36 mark. Even then, the rest of your application had better be pretty exceptional to compensate for a score on the lower end. "