Consequences and Choices after Falling Short in High Level Subjects in International Baccalaureate: Guidelines, Alternatives, and Next Steps
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is one of the most challenging academic programs worldwide, requiring students to excel in six subjects (three Higher Level and three Standard Level), core requirements, and earn at least 24 points overall. However, what happens if a student fails one Higher Level (HL) subject?
In general, failing an HL subject means the student does not meet the minimum requirement for that subject, and they would not be awarded the IB Diploma unless they retake the exam or meet a special compensatory condition, which is rare and strictly regulated by the IB.
Students who fail an HL subject have several options:
- Retake the entire subject: When retaking a failed HL subject, students can reuse their Internal Assessment (IA) or submit a new one, but they must retake all external papers for that subject. To retake, students will need to register with an IB school for the retake. It is recommended to prepare thoroughly to improve chances of success.
- Compensate with strengths in other subjects: Showing strengths in other subjects or core components to universities can also help. For instance, students can retake or rewrite the Extended Essay (EE) or Theory of Knowledge (TOK) to improve their core points.
- Use individual subject certificates: If students fail to meet the conditions for the IB diploma due to failing an HL subject, they can still use individual subject certificates for university or career applications.
- Apply to universities with strong performance in other areas: Students can also apply to universities with strong performance in other areas, demonstrating their academic potential despite the HL subject failure.
It's essential to be honest with universities about failing an HL subject and, if applicable, explain any mitigating circumstances. IB allows up to three exam sessions over three years for retaking subjects.
To help structure an ethical retake plan and practice for HL topics, students can use resources like RevisionDojo, which simulates Paper 1, 2, and 3 with markschemes and feedback, offers diagnostic tools to find weak areas, and provides subject-specific practice for HL topics.
Ultimately, failing one HL subject in the IB Diploma Programme does not necessarily prevent students from earning the diploma. By understanding the rules, preparing thoroughly, and utilising available resources, students can increase their chances of success and achieve their academic goals.
For the most accurate and detailed policy on failing an HL subject, consulting the official International Baccalaureate Organisation’s Diploma Programme handbook or contacting IB coordinators at the student’s school is recommended.
Education-and-self-development is crucial for students who have failed a Higher Level (HL) subject in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Learning from the failure and addressing it requires thorough preparation and the use of resources like RevisionDojo, which can help students practice for HL topics and identify weak areas.
