When you're applying to schools abroad, switching education systems, or applying for scholarships, your grades don't always speak the same language. GPA conversion, the process of turning one country's grading system into another's standard scale. Also known as grade translation, it's the invisible math behind whether your 75% in the UK counts as a 3.0 in the US or a 4.0 in Canada. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about fairness. A student in Shifnal with solid B grades might be seen as average in the US system but above average in others. That’s why understanding GPA conversion isn’t optional—it’s essential if you’re planning your next step.
It’s not just about converting a single number. You need to know what UK grading scales, the system used in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland that relies on letter grades like A*, A, B, and so on. Also known as GCSE and A-Level grades, it maps to US GPA, the 4.0 scale used by most American colleges and universities to measure academic performance. Also known as grade point average, it. One school might say a B+ is 3.3, another says 3.7. There’s no single official chart—universities and scholarship boards use their own tools. That’s why you’ll see different conversion tables from UCAS, WES, or even your own school’s guidance office. And don’t assume your 80% equals a 4.0. In many cases, it’s closer to a 3.3. The real trick? Look at how your grades stack up against the average for your school and subject, not just the number on your report card.
It’s not just international students who need this. If you’re switching from IB to A-Levels, or from a vocational course to university, your grades need to be understood in a new context. Some scholarships don’t even look at your raw scores—they look at your percentile, your improvement, or your effort. That’s why posts here cover everything from how to explain your grades in a personal statement, to what happens when your school doesn’t give GPA at all. You’ll find real examples from students who got into top programs with average grades, how to use your transcript to tell a better story, and why sometimes, your teacher’s letter matters more than the number.
Whether you’re trying to get into a US university, apply for a scholarship in Canada, or just make sense of your own transcript, GPA conversion isn’t about getting the highest number—it’s about getting the right understanding. Below, you’ll find practical guides, real-life cases, and tools that help you turn confusing grades into clear opportunities. No jargon. No guesswork. Just what works.
A-levels don't use GPA, so there's no exact number of B's that equals a 3.8 GPA. Learn how US universities convert A-level grades and what actually matters for admissions.
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