IB Scores: Is a 31 Considered Poor and Its Implications for University Admission and Future
A score of 31 in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme places you above the global average, which hovers around 30 points. This score is considered competitive for most universities, with the competitive range being 28-34 points depending on the program.
In the United States, a 31 is generally accepted by a wide range of colleges and you might earn college credits for Higher Level (HL) subjects with scores of 5 or higher. In the U.S., top programs may require scores between 30–35, with strong HL subjects, and some schools offer college credit for HL scores of 5+.
In the UK, some universities may require 32-36+ for competitive courses, but a 31 may still be accepted for standard courses. The Ivy League equivalent and Oxbridge (Oxford, Cambridge) expect scores of 38–42+, with Oxford expecting 38–40 and Cambridge 40–42 typically. Russell Group universities require 34–37.
In Canada and Europe, a 31 is considered competitive for most programs, depending on the major and school. Top schools like UBC, Toronto, McGill commonly require 30–36+, with some programs expecting around 36–38. In Europe, scores range widely by country and course, but many universities expect 28–34 points, with competitive engineering and medicine programs often requiring 35+ points.
When considering retaking for a higher score, consider if you narrowly missed an offer from a university with a higher cutoff, if you're confident you can raise your score by at least 3-4 points, and if your career goals demand a stronger academic record.
RevisionDojo offers resources to help students improve future IB scores or college success, including subject-specific strategy guides, time management coaching, and university application tips for IB students.
It is important to note that scores above 38–40 are considered outstanding and typically correspond to admission at elite universities; fewer than 10% of all IB students achieve this range. Some of the world's best-performing IB schools average scores around 40–43 points, demonstrating the level of excellence expected by top programs.
Universities use these score ranges as guidelines, but factors such as specific subject requirements, interviews, personal statements, and extracurriculars play important roles, especially in holistic systems like the U.S. The global average IB score in 2023–2024 was roughly 31, so competitive programs generally require scores well above this average.
Engaging in online education and self-development resources, such as those offered by RevisionDojo, could help students aim for higher International Baccalaureate (IB) scores and ultimately secure admission to competitive universities. With the right learning strategies and dedication, it's possible to improve one's IB score, thereby expanding the range of prestigious universities that may become accessible.
