What is a Grade Point Average (GPA)? Why is a Good GPA Important?

Confused about what is GPA for US admissions? Understand why GPA is an important aspect of US admissions and admissions abroad. Check out the scales used for GPA calculation also.

This article will equip you with all you need to know about what is GPA for US admissions. America is a country essentially different from India. They have different policies and different ways of measuring things and are more comfortable in grading than quantifying every score. America follows a system known as a Grade Point Average (GPA) score to measure academic success or failure. If planning to pursue your studies in USA or any other country where GPA is accepted understand what is GPA score is and how the GPA calculator works. We have a free GPA calculator also for free use based on percentage or CGPA, you can also check that. Once you know how much you need to score you can easily apply to your preferred universities abroad. You can now go ahead and check the article and read everything about GPA, GPA calculation and how much GPA you need for admissions.

Use Percentage to GPA Calculator Designed by Shiksha

Percentage To GPA

What is GPA?

GPA full form is Grade Point Average. A grade point average is an evaluation of your overall academic performance. It combines scores of all semesters, years and consolidates into one single overall GPA score. A strong GPA is anywhere above 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale. GPA scores show your academic performance in the past and Ad coms can decide if you will be able to handle the college study load.

GPA Scale and Corresponding Grades

Once you select a subject, you are rewarded with grades for your performance. At the end of the course, these grades are converted into points. Now, the USA follows a 4-point system where A is equal to 4 or the highest grade, B is equal to 3 and so on. Check out the American GPA system below and how the GPA points are collated with grades below:

So what happens when you get an A+? You get an additional .33. A minus, similarly, warrants a -0.33. In other words, if you get an A-, your point would be calculated as 4.0 – 0.33 = 3.67. Similarly, a B+ gets you an additional .33 and boosts your grade to 3.33. It should be noted that some colleges might give you a 4.33 for A+, generally, A+ is given a 4.0, which translates into the perfect score. Some institutes may use a .3 as a difference, and some might keep it at .5. B+ might mean 3.3 or 3.5, respectively.

Types of GPA Abroad

There are two types of GPAs - weighted and unweighted. To understand the distinction better let us look at the difference between weighted GPA and unweighted GPA in the table below:

How is GPA Calculated in US?

GPA is calculated as a simple average or as a weighted average. To calculate GPA add points received across subjects and divide the total by total subjects taken for the simple average. For example, you studied four subjects and scored as given below:

Simple average method calculation, will be add 4+3+3.33+3.67 = 14.0. There are a total of 4 subjects, your GPA will be 14.0/4 = 3.5.

GPA is also calculated as a weighted average. Here credits and grades are given and GPA is calculated based on this. Multiply grade points with credits of one subject. Then divide this total by overall credits. For example,

How do Grades Compare to Standards

In India, we divide the scores into distinctions and divisions, with distinctions being excellent, the first division being good and so on. For America, the standards for your grades are also defined. Usually, to pass a course, you require a GPA of 2.0 and above. A score below that is considered failing and would require you to retake the subject. This is not standard, however, and is different for different universities/ colleges/ schools. Some schools or professional courses might require a minimum GPA of 2.75. A good GPA in the US admissions context can be categorised as follows:

Remember, some universities might have higher GPA requirements for specific programs.

How do I convert my percentage into GPA for admissions?

The answer is simple. You don’t. Before searching for scales, tables, and weird calculations, let me guide you to refrain. It is not required.

Almost all the universities in America recognise that the grading system across various boards is different. They are also well aware of the Indian Boards, including the CBSE, the ICSE, the CIE, the IB, and the State Boards. They also understand that some boards would happily score high, but some never give the maximum. So, if you are planning to apply, concentrate on doing your best in your chosen field. The university you apply to would equate your scores to their internal cut-off for your board. More importantly, the admission process to the USA is not simply based on your grades. They look at the bigger picture and would also look at your SAT, GMAT, or GRE scores (whichever is applicable) along with the application essays and letters of recommendation. If they don’t recognise the board, they request that you share your scorecard and an explanation of that grading system.

GPA Scale - Weighted vs Unweighted

To calculate GPA, applicants can refer to the calculation given above based on the formula or refer to the GPA scale given below:

How much GPA is required to Study in USA?

GPA for US Universities: Whether a GPA score is good depends entirely on your professional and academic objectives. However, when we talk about GPA for US Universities - a GPA Score of 3.0 - 3.5 should comfortably make you eligible for higher education in the US. Top education providers in the US would require a GPA score higher than 3.5.  For assistance with US University admissions, our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors team will gladly assist you.

There's no magic GPA number for all US universities.:

• Most universities in USA require a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Competitive universities need GPA of 3.5 or higher from students.

GPA Range by University Type in USA

There are three types of universities in the USA, each with a specific GPA requirement. Check out the minimum and maximum GPA required for US university admissions: 

Based on the above data, those aspiring for admission to Ivy League schools require a higher GPA score of around 3.8, followed by public and private universities in USA.