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brij97
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Joined: 26 Jan 2017
Last visit: 17 Apr 2022
Posts: 14
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Concentration: Strategy, Technology
Schools: WashU Olin '24 (S)
GMAT 1: 700 Q49 V35
GMAT 2: 710 Q48 V40
Schools: WashU Olin '24 (S)
GMAT 2: 710 Q48 V40
Posts: 14
Kudos: 2
GPA confusion 19 Oct 2020, 01:12
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I have read again and again that if someone doesn't have a GPA out of 4, they should not try to convert their grades to 4 point system. But I think it is equally necessary for the candidate to know where he/she stands in terms of GPA, and how it is going to affect their application.
I think my case is a weird one but here it goes:
I did my B. Tech in mechanical engineering from SRM University (India). Now, universities in India are allowed to make their own grading systems. My university changed its grading system in my years, continued it for 3 more years of intake, i.e. 3 more batches, and changed it back to the previous one. So, compared to my seniors and current juniors, my grades yield a lower GPA. This raised issues. Students filed a petition and protested as no one's going to know that this change of grading system happened and after a few years if we apply for a job or higher education, our GPA would look really bad compared to both juniors and seniors from the same university. So, the university caved partially and tried to amend the situation by giving us percentages.

Take my example:
My official transcript has these 3 things:
CGPA: 6.5/10 absolute grading (looks really bad)
Percentage: 75% (doesn't look really bad)
Class: First class (seems kinda nice)

You may jump to conclusion that look, they gave you cgpa, that what that counts. But my university in the grading system, has made first 4 grades in 5 mark divisions, rest in 10, so if you score below 80, you've already lost 4 grades!
So, now, I am confused. Because if I convert the CGPA to 4, it is hardly 2, if I convert the percentage, it is near 3, first-class in some conversion is 4.
Here's the thing: I know that business schools are smart and all, and they know different grading systems. But I need to know how they're going to look at this. If I have the liberty I'd probably show the first class. But, if they consider the GPA, I will have to reduce my expectations a lot. I may have to give a lot of explanation and take extra courses to have a decent shot at a decent college. What should I do? go for a lower-ranking college? address it in extra essays? because it is going to be very hard as an over-represented applicant justify or address a 2 point something.
For the sake of argument consider my GMAT 700.
Glad to hear any advise here
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GPA confusion 20 Oct 2020, 23:41
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brij97
I have read again and again that if someone doesn't have a GPA out of 4, they should not try to convert their grades to 4 point system. But I think it is equally necessary for the candidate to know where he/she stands in terms of GPA, and how it is going to affect their application.
I think my case is a weird one but here it goes:
I did my B. Tech in mechanical engineering from SRM University (India). Now, universities in India are allowed to make their own grading systems. My university changed its grading system in my years, continued it for 3 more years of intake, i.e. 3 more batches, and changed it back to the previous one. So, compared to my seniors and current juniors, my grades yield a lower GPA. This raised issues. Students filed a petition and protested as no one's going to know that this change of grading system happened and after a few years if we apply for a job or higher education, our GPA would look really bad compared to both juniors and seniors from the same university. So, the university caved partially and tried to amend the situation by giving us percentages.

Take my example:
My official transcript has these 3 things:
CGPA: 6.5/10 absolute grading (looks really bad)
Percentage: 75% (doesn't look really bad)
Class: First class (seems kinda nice)

You may jump to conclusion that look, they gave you cgpa, that what that counts. But my university in the grading system, has made first 4 grades in 5 mark divisions, rest in 10, so if you score below 80, you've already lost 4 grades!
So, now, I am confused. Because if I convert the CGPA to 4, it is hardly 2, if I convert the percentage, it is near 3, first-class in some conversion is 4.
Here's the thing: I know that business schools are smart and all, and they know different grading systems. But I need to know how they're going to look at this. If I have the liberty I'd probably show the first class. But, if they consider the GPA, I will have to reduce my expectations a lot. I may have to give a lot of explanation and take extra courses to have a decent shot at a decent college. What should I do? go for a lower-ranking college? address it in extra essays? because it is going to be very hard as an over-represented applicant justify or address a 2 point something.
For the sake of argument consider my GMAT 700.
Glad to hear any advise here
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Is there a possibility to sort it out with the college where you studies? With their approval and the right marksheet showing the rank and the %age marks on the resume can have the desired effect.
You can address this in the optional essay, but IMO the explanation will sound choppy and like an excuse, so its not my best option.

The other important thing would be to get an above-average GMAT score for your target programs :)