IB HL Exam Score and Diploma: An Examination of IB Regulations
Struggling with IB Scores? Here's What You Need to Know About Scoring a 2 in a Higher Level (HL) Subject
Scoring a 2 in a Higher Level (HL) subject in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program can have significant consequences for students. This score often indicates that the student has not met the minimum standard for passing the subject.
Firstly, a score of 2 is below the usual passing threshold, which starts at 3 and above. Many universities and institutions that recognize IB scores for credit or placement require a minimum score of 4, with some demanding 5 or 6 for credit or advanced placement[1].
Secondly, a low score like a 2 can negatively impact the awarding of the full IB Diploma. Passing all required HL subjects is generally compulsory to earn the diploma. As such, a 2 in any HL subject could mean that the student will not receive the diploma.
Thirdly, a 2 in an HL subject may mean that the student will not receive university credit or advanced placement for that subject at most universities, potentially requiring them to complete equivalent courses in college[1].
Fourthly, a score of 2 may also reflect that the student did not meet the rigorous assessments and learning outcomes specific to HL courses, which have more demanding content and assessments than Standard Level (SL) courses[2].
However, it is important to note that students who score a 2 in an HL subject can still earn IB Certificates for the individual subjects they passed.
If a student scores a 2 in any HL subject and fails to meet core requirements (EE, TOK, CAS), they will not earn the IB Diploma. There is no "N" (no grade awarded) allowed in any subject. Students must score at least a 3 in all HL subjects.
A 2 in an HL subject usually disqualifies a student from earning the full IB Diploma, unless rare specific criteria are met. If a student scores a 2 in any HL subject, they will not earn the IB Diploma, even if their total points are 24 or higher.
Students who score a 2 in an HL subject can retake the HL exam in the next exam session (May or November). To receive the full IB Diploma, students must score at least 24 total points across all 6 subjects. The IB Diploma places a strong emphasis on HL performance to ensure students demonstrate sufficient academic depth.
No more than three scores of 3 or below are allowed in total. With the right support and a retake, students who score a 2 in an HL subject can recover and still meet their goals.
To receive the full IB Diploma, students must submit a passing Extended Essay (EE), complete Theory of Knowledge (TOK) with at least a D grade, and fulfill CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) expectations.
For students who are struggling with HL subjects, RevisionDojo is a tool that can help. It offers subject-specific exam walkthroughs, Internal Assessment guides, Extended Essay and TOK templates, retake planning, and grade improvement strategies.
[1] University of California, Berkeley IB Credit Policy [2] IB Diploma Programme: Guide to the Diploma Programme
- In the context of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, a score of 2 in a Higher Level (HL) subject means that the student has not met the minimum standard for passing the subject and may negatively impact the awarding of the full IB Diploma.
- To help students struggling with HL subjects, education-and-self-development tools like RevisionDojo offer various resources, such as exam walkthroughs, Internal Assessment guides, and grade improvement strategies, which can aid in reattempting the HL exam and meeting academic goals.
