<p>im a college junior from sydney, and was wondering if any other australians/ internationals with the same problems were out there.</p>
<p>in oz, universities give marks out of 100, as in:</p>
<p>50+ PASS
65+ CREDIT
75+ DISTINCTION
85+ HIGH DISTINCTION</p>
<p>So its really good to get a distinction. Most people are happy with a credit.
You need a credit average in order to be accepted to graduate programs, like honours (an extra undergrad year of research) , masters or doctorates.</p>
<p>Im wondering how it would work in America, where everyone seems to get these really high marks (which just aren't feasible here). Would the universities I apply to see 57 and 62 on my transcript and go, "what is she thinking?" Any thoughts?</p>
<p>You would want to clearly discuss your system of grading in your application, and chances are they are at least somewhat familiar with it. Perhaps you would want to include an addendum. I would very much advise calling the various departments to which you're applying. </p>
<p>I don't know how true it is that everyone seems to have really high marks . . . it's relative, to the system, school, and subject, and grades affect your admissions differently depending on many factors. What's your subject of interest? Have you read how various factors of the application are weighted, generally, by different disciplines?</p>
<p>I understand your problem.
I had the same issue.
I come from Portugal. Here the grades are 0-20 with passing level at 10.
It's very very hard to get a 20. (I was the only person to have a 20 in a subject in the last 10 years at my University).
19 is very good indeed.</p>
<p>In the US because the grade span is smaller, it's easier to get a top grade. I mean, an A is probably the 17-20 range of our grades.</p>
<p>If your grades range to 100 probably the problem is even bigger.</p>
<p>Try to give comparative results. If someone in your university can issue a declaration certifying that your grade is in the top 5%, or the top 1% or something like that, it may work.</p>
<p>Here in Portugal the Fullbright passes certificates on the grading system, and how it works. Maybe there something similar is available.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice, ill work on your ideas :)</p>
<p>Im a biomed student and I want to do epidemiology.</p>
<p>"Have you read how various factors of the application are weighted, generally, by different disciplines?"
No, but im worried more that they'll take one look (after looking at another, US candidate with A grades) at my 60s and put my file straight in the bin!</p>
<p>JGouveia, what university do you study at? what's your area?</p>
<p>Well, since you're a science student, with a very particular subfield, you should ask what factors are considered by the admissions and in what order of importance :). You shouldn't worry about admissiosn people tossing your file at a single glance.</p>