<p>I'm a British student applying to American schools for PhD programs. On several applications I've been asked for my GPA (as one would expect). Some say something along the lines of "if your school doesn't use a GPA scale, don't convert your scores", but the one for CMU requires that the GPA box be filled out. Now, I think I have four options:</p>
<p>1) write N/A</p>
<p>2) take my scores in each subject (which are on a scale from 0 to 100), and assign each of them a grade from A to D according to my school's classifications, then calculate my "GPA"</p>
<p>3) take my scores in each subject, average to give a single score (again, from 0 to 100), and assign it an overall "GPA".</p>
<p>At the moment I'm leaning towards writing "N/A". I'd do option (2), but it'll give me a GPA of 3.21, when my class rank is 2nd or 3rd out of 50 (i.e. I don't feel that it's a fair representation of my ability, and will actually automatically disqualify me from some programs). Option (3) gives me a 4.0, and option (4) gives me a 3.75, but both seem somewhat dishonest (even if I state what I've done).</p>
<p>Don't convert, or even attempt to convert your GPA. </p>
<p>The UK and US grade systems are almost wholly incompatible. (All this before you even get to the joys of 'grade inflation' as it strikes many institutions - another discussion entirely...) </p>
<p>Your transcripts will indicate your institution's grading range, and if you can point to your places in class as part of your application, all the better. It will only harm you to undertake a process of converting your grades across international borders. </p>
<p>This isn't just my own opinion, either - I have been told this by a number of admissions officers.</p>
<p>Use N/A if you can. If you must enter a numerical value, take all of your scores on the original scale (0 to 100) and average them together to get a number between 0 and 100. Do not convert to a 4.0 scale. It will be clear that this number is not on the standard 4.0 GPA scale, so it will not be misinterpreted. However, you will still be providing accurate information.</p>
<p>As snowcapk says, N/A is the preferred option. </p>
<p>However, snowcapk, I wouldn't carry out any kind of average (notwithstanding the clear difference in numerical value). I would enter 0.0. Again, this is my experience from talking to admissions officers. </p>
<p>UK system universities grade very differently indeed, and the breakdowns in percentage value are so different as to render direct comparisons meaningless. It's best to refer them to the transcripts, as an average will still be grossly misleading. In my experience, for example, you have to be a minor deity to ever get over 85-90% for <em>anything</em>, <em>ever</em> - in fact, probably being a major deity would help. Even exceptional students would routinely be lucky to receive over 75%. As a result, I can't help but feel that an average would still not be a good idea.</p>
<p>I had one application where I was asked to enter 0.0 if the grading system was anything but the standard 4.0 system. However, I would be cautious about writing that if the university doesn't tell you to do so. The first round of screening for applications involves GPA and test scores, and if that were done by a computer...well, you'd be boned with your "0.0". It's a thought though.</p>
<p>I think the GPA work out mostly the same. Its the percentage grading that differs. UK 40% seems equivalent to US 60 % as a D. 70% UK is about 90% US for an A</p>