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

Confused about what is GPA for US admissions? Analyse the system and boost your chances of acceptance with our comprehensive guide. Learn how GPA is calculated, what a good score looks like, and why it's just one piece of the puzzle. Also, it is essential to understand why GPA is an important aspect of US admissions ar admissions abroad. 

Cracking the code for US universities can feel overwhelming, especially with unfamiliar terms like GPA. But worry not. This guide 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, understanding what is GPA score is and how the GPA calculator works.

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Percentage To GPA

What is GPA?

Simply put, GPA stands for Grade Point Average, which is a numerical representation of your academic performance in the US. It condenses your grades across various courses into a single score, making it easier for universities to compare applicants. A strong GPA demonstrates your academic ability and commitment, increasing your chances of admission.

Understanding it further, here is how the system works. When you enrol in a college (graduate or postgraduate level or even a school), you must select various subjects with designated credits. Unlike India, the American Education System assigns credits to each subject taken, calculated based on the stipulated hours required to complete it. You can read about the credit hours system to learn more about it.

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 while 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.

Related Reads:

• How to Calculate SGPA
• How to Convert Percentage to GPA?

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:

In short, an unweighted GPA is a simple average where all classes are equal. In contrast, an unweighted GPA is an average that gives extra credit for taking tougher classes.

How is GPA Calculated in US?

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

So, for the simple average method, your GPA would be 4+3+3.33+3.67 = 14.0. Since you appeared in 4 subjects, your GPA is 14.0/4 = 3.5.

Alternatively, GPA is calculated using a weighted average, with the designated credits being the weights assigned to each subject. So accordingly, you multiply the points with the credits of that subject, total the product and divide it by the total number of credits. For example,

In this case, for the above set, you first calculate the product of the grade point and the credit and then divide the total by the total number of credits. Accordingly, your GPA would be calculated as [(4*3) + (3*3) + (3.33*2) + (3.67*3)]/11 which equals to 3.51.

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:

• Excellent: 3.8 - 4.0
• Very Good: 3.5 - 3.75
• Good: 3.0 - 3.49
• Below 3.0: May require additional scrutiny by the university

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:

The weighted GPA scale is calculated on a 5.0-point scale. Most universities abroad prefer an unweighted GPA scale, but applicants who have taken the AP or IB course test can calculate their GPAs on an unweighted scale. With the help of the GPA scale, applicants can calculate their letter grades to a GPA scale of 4.0 points. 

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.

Many international universities, particularly in the USA, evaluate applicants based on their GPA. If you have a CGPA from your home country, it's essential to know how to convert CGPA to GPA for a successful application.

There's no magic GPA number for all US universities. Here's a more realistic view:

• Most universities: Aim for a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Competitive universities: A GPA of 3.5 or higher is generally preferred.

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. 

What is a Good GPA?

A good GPA will vary on a case-by-case basis. Consider the following key points to understand what a good GPA is.

• The significance of GPA varies based on the applicant's goals, the choice of university, and the specific program they're planning to apply to.
• Generally, a GPA between 3.0 and 3.5 on a 4.0-point scale is usually considered a competitive score by high schools, colleges, and universities.
• A good GPA is when applicants can score a GPA score of 3.5 or above because top-tier universities accept these scores for admission.
• In case of a low GPA, there can be standardised test scores and additional application documents, increasing the chances of admission.

While GPA is important, US universities consider a holistic application. Stellar scores on standardised tests like the SAT, GMAT, or GRE (depending on your program) and impactful essays and recommendation letters can significantly boost your chances.

Why is a Good GPA Important?

After understanding what is a good GPA, it is also essential to understand why is a good GPA important. A good GPA is important because:

• An applicant's academic performance throughout school and other academic years is important.
• Admission is based on GPA scores, but not solely. However, GPA plays a major role in admission.
• Finally, it helps admission committees understand the rigour of the curriculum taken up by the applicant over their academic years. 

Understanding GPA is a stepping stone to a successful US admissions journey. Focus on academic excellence, research specific university requirements, and present a well-rounded application. With the right preparation, you'll be well on your way to achieving your dream of studying abroad!