General question about GPA from a UK student

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the differences between UK and US grading systems, specifically the Grade Point Average (GPA) scale. A GPA of 3.0 in the US is equivalent to a 75% average in the UK, which is considered decent, while a GPA of 3.5 corresponds to an 88% average, regarded as excellent. Participants highlight that achieving high grades in the US is more common due to grade normalization practices, making it challenging to convert UK grades to US equivalents accurately. Additionally, the REU program in the US requires US citizenship or permanent residency, which is crucial for international applicants to consider.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of GPA scales in the US and UK educational systems
  • Familiarity with the REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) program requirements
  • Knowledge of grade normalization practices in different educational contexts
  • Awareness of international student application processes for US universities
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the conversion methods between UK grades and US GPAs
  • Explore the specific requirements for REU programs in the US
  • Investigate the implications of grade normalization on academic performance
  • Learn about the application processes for international students in US graduate schools
USEFUL FOR

International students, particularly UK students considering graduate studies in the US, academic advisors, and anyone involved in the REU application process.

The thinker
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Hi,

I'm looking at the U.S for grad school and I've been reading talk about grade point average's, more specifically that around 3.0 is not considered particularly great.

I assume that a 3.0 GPA means a 75% average, over here 75% is decent A grade. A GPA of 3.5 (which I've read is good) would be ~88%, which is fantastic!

I'm just curious about what the difference is and why people need to score so much higher in the states? is it because you guys are allowed to take all sorts of (potentially easier) courses along with your major?
 
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It's not simple to convert from UK grade to US grades. You could look at it the other way around: over here, a first class degree (70% average) is the highest degree you can get, so should correspond to an A in the US, or a GPA of 4.0.

The fact is that it is way easier (or maybe one should say "more common") to obtain 100% grades in the US than it is in the UK. It's all to do with normalisation of grades.
 
cristo said:
It's not simple to convert from UK grade to US grades. You could look at it the other way around: over here, a first class degree (70% average) is the highest degree you can get, so should correspond to an A in the US, or a GPA of 4.0.

The fact is that it is way easier (or maybe one should say "more common") to obtain 100% grades in the US than it is in the UK. It's all to do with normalisation of grades.

I see! Thank you very much!

I am filling in my application for an REU in the US at the moment and was going to put down 3.0 for my GPA because my average mark is 75%. I'm glad I didn't!
 
Just to give you a heads up, the REU program is through the US government, and consequently most (if not all) of the programs require US citizenship or permanent resident status. Not to discourage you, but look closely at the requirements of any REU programs you're applying to.
 
Thanks for the heads up!

I have found one lone position at a single university for an international student. I'm not going to say where though because I don't want any more competition! haha
 

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