One of the first and most important terms you’ll encounter in your American adventure is “GPA.” But what exactly is it, why is it so crucial, and how do you calculate it using your international transcript?
What exactly does GPA stand for?
GPA stands for Grade Point Average. It’s the average of all your school grades, converted to the American system, which runs on a scale of 0.0 to 4.0. While we in the Netherlands use a grade of 1-10, American schools use letter grades (A, B, C, D, F). Each of these letters has a point value: an A is worth 4.0 points, a B is 3.0, and so on. Your GPA is the weighted average of all these grades and provides a quick overview of your academic performance.
Why your GPA the door opens to top universities
Knowing and optimizing your GPA is absolutely crucial for every aspiring student-athlete for three reasons:
Admission
Academic scholarships
How do you calculate your GPA with your transcripts?
Converting international grades to a GPA is a precise job and it is important to follow these steps:
- Collect your core courses: The NCAA doesn’t consider all your courses, but only a specific set of core academic subjects, such as math, English, science, and social studies. Arts and crafts, for example, don’t count.
- Convert your grades: Each grade is converted to the American letter grade and its corresponding point value. A general guideline is:
- 8, 9, 10: becomes an A (4.0 points)
- 7: becomes an B (3.0 points)
- 6: becomes an C (2.0 points)
- 5: becomes an D (1.0 point)
- Calculate the average: Add up all the grade points for your core subjects and divide by the number of subjects. The result is your estimated GPA. Note that this is a general guideline, and different sports organizations have their own methods.
Finding it complicated? We’ll do it for you.
Converting your grades and correctly calculating your GPA is a precise process that leaves no room for error. This is a standard part of our guidance. Request a free, no-obligation evaluation, and we’ll give you an accurate estimate of your GPA right away.
GPA in America: the key to lasting success
Your GPA isn’t just an entrance ticket; it’s also the key to successfully completing your entire American adventure. Once in America, it’s crucial to maintain academic performance to remain eligible to play.
- Maintain a minimum GPA: Most universities and athletic associations have a minimum GPA (often 2.0 on a 4.0 scale) that you must achieve each semester.
- Academic Probation: If you fall below this minimum, you will be placed on academic probation. This often means you will not be allowed to participate in competitions that semester, allowing you to fully focus on your studies.
- Protecting your Scholarship: Good grades are not only important for getting in, but also for keeping your dream and your scholarship.
