Introduction
The Indian education system works on a percentage basis and differs from the international standard of GPA. For most Indian students looking to study overseas, the conversion of their overall marks is the first hurdle to overcome. But what is GPA, and how does one calculate it accurately when applying to top universities overseas?
GPA stands for grade point average and is a way for colleges to level the playing field for students aspiring to join a particular course. Most overseas colleges follow the 4.0 scale of GPA, which we will explain in further detail below.
What is the 4.0 scale GPA?
Indian colleges tend to rely on percentages, with 100% being the maximum a student can achieve. Calculating GPA to percentage is simple.
100% equates to 10 points. Thus, 25 points in percentage are equivalent to 1 point in the GPA system. To convert the percentage to GPA, students must use the formula ‘Percentage Received divided by 100 multiplied by 4’ to arrive at their accurate GPA.
For example, a student scoring 85% will calculate the same as (85/100)*4 = 3.4 GPA.
Why is the 4.0 scale so important?
Most colleges overseas follow the 4.0 scale GPA, but this is not the only reason it is important. GPA also helps in comparing student applications from the same pool. For example, Indian origin engineering students can be distinguished easier by the GPA system rather than percentages or grades.
When applying to study overseas, Indian students will often be guided by the university they apply to. Students will have their marks converted into a GPA, which they must then submit alongside their transcripts.
How to convert your GPA into a 4.0 scale?
GPA stands for Grade Point Average, and the basic formula for the same is to divide the total number of points earned in a program by the total number of credits attempted. Credit points are mostly on a scale between 0 and 4 or at most, are multiples of 4. Thus, the highest grade you score – whether an A, 100% or 10 points- all equate to the highest number on the scale, which is 4. Depending on your college, you will be following a particular grading system. However, your college will also have a corresponding credit point system against your grades to help you calculate your GPA much more easily.
Conclusion
All over the world, colleges give grades in different formats to their students, from a percentile to a letter-based system. It sometimes varies even between colleges from the same country. The GPA system aims to standardise these systems as much as possible and is followed primarily by business schools all over the world.
The GPA calculated on a 4.0 scale helps the admissions committee of an overseas institution measure applicants consistently and fairly. There is, however, only a need to specifically convert your grades to the 4.0 scale if the college you are applying to specifically demands it.Most colleges will provide students with the formula and the next steps needed to convert their grade from any system towards GPA on the 4.0 scale.
Every student can breathe easy knowing that most colleges help international applicants convert their grades to the GPA scale, ensuring they have an equal opportunity when applying to some of the top universities in the world.
Source Link: https://e-gmat.com/blogs/how-to-calculate-gpa-on-4-0-scale/#1-cumulative-grade-point-average-