Does Cornell graduate school take into account the +/- system from applicants at other universities?

Colleges & Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

I have recently learned that my school University of Texas at Austin has a +/- system and even though I am a straight A student, I made an A- this semester (93.5). As you may already have figured out, this leaves me out of the running for a 4.0 GPA overall average. When I eventually apply to graduate school, which I hope is for Cornell’s MFA program, I was wondering whether or not Cornell and other universities like it take into consideration that not all applicants come from universities with a +/- system. This gives students an unfair advantage over those who DO come from a +/- system and have greater difficulty achieving a 4.0 GPA.

I hope you guys can help.

2

If that is the only “flaw” in your application you have nothing to worry about. BTW, most colleges have ± grading system.

3

The admissions office knows the schools and grading systems, and they do take that into account when considering applications.