Written by: Isabella

Edited by: Grace

Visual by: Audrey

During Battle of the Bearcasts (BOB), the seniors’ efforts were nothing short of inspiring. Yet as the cheers fade and the adrenaline of BOB settles, another challenge arises: predicted grades. One of the many hurdles that seniors eventually face, this stressful occasion has already begun with the release of the first round of predicted grades on Friday, October 3rd.

Predicted grades, known as ‘predicteds’ or ‘PGs’, are teachers’ estimates of the grades students are likely to get in their final IB exams. They are based on grades from junior to senior year, with a total score out of 45 points, including three from the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge. They are released in three rounds: the first in early October, the second in November, and the final round in April after major internal assessments and mock exams. The last round serves as the closest estimate to students’ final IB scores.

“These are the best attempts of the teachers to predict what grades [students] will get at the end of [12th grade],” explained IB English and TOK teacher Mr. Lightbown. These grades are often a significant factor in university applications and can feel like a reflection of seniors’ entire high school journey.

Academic pressure is one of, if not the most, nerve-racking experiences that students face in high school. “It’s a point in time where everyone’s thinking about getting into college,” explained Pia, an alumna from the Class of 2025. “There’s definitely a lot more pressure to perform and get those last pieces of evidence that can prove that you’re worth the highest grade possible.”

This fear is understandable, especially since students may feel the pressure to get accepted into top universities. Some may become consumed by the stress, leading them to feel left out or disconnected from their peers. 

“It’s been really stressful. Obviously, it’s really nerve-racking, but I feel quite optimistic because the first round of predicted grades is supposed to be optimistic,” shared Rhobi (12). Her words capture the mixed emotions that come with the season: pressure, uncertainty, but also hope that things will turn out well. 

Apart from the academic stress that comes with predicted grades, there’s also the social pressure that surrounds it. Conversations about grades spread quickly, and students are reportedly often asked—and ask others—what they got. This constant comparison can create an environment where students feel ranked or judged based on numbers rather than effort or potential.

“I’ve had multiple people ask me what my predicted grades are,” shared a senior who chose to remain anonymous. The student added, “They won’t stop asking you until you give them a specific number, which really adds on to the pressure and the stress.” For many, it’s not just the grades themselves that cause anxiety, but the feeling of being constantly evaluated by their peers. Even casual conversations can start to feel competitive, turning what should be private into a source of social tension. 

Ultimately, how one responds when things do not go as planned is equally important. Pia advocates for staying calm and thinking of less-than-ideal situations as feedback for improvement. “If I don’t get the grade I want on a test, I reflect, move on, and improve,” she remarked. “Keep your feet on the ground and your head held high, and don’t be afraid to drag yourself through the mud with those tears.” She reminds us that our grades do not define our worth, including our character, perseverance, and the genuine effort we put in.

“We all have to remind ourselves that grades definitely reflect part of ourselves, but we have so much more to us,” stated Emme, another senior. Her perspective is a reminder that learning and self-improvement do not end once the first round of predicted grades is released; they continue as we apply what we have learned to new challenges and experiences.

Predicted season is truly challenging with pressures that can feel overwhelming. However, if there is one thing that the seniors have proven, it is that they can push through all the challenges and emerge even stronger than before. Their journey has shown the rest of high school what true perseverance is, and ISM can’t wait to see the seniors shine in their next chapters—through the next rounds of predicteds and beyond.