Grades in the US: A Guide for International Students
Table of contents
Ratings in the United States
Understanding the grading system in the United States can be a challenge for those coming from other countries. Unlike many educational systems, grades here are not only expressed in letters—like the famous A to F scale—but also include concepts such as GPA, continuous assessment, and the weighting of different subjects.
For those beginning their academic journey at universities like UNIMIAMI, familiarizing yourself with these specifics is key to planning your studies well, understanding how they will be evaluated, and achieving your academic goals. In this guide, we explain grading in the United States in a clear and practical way:
What are grades like in the United States?
The American grading system is based on the well-known Grade Point Average (GPA) and is used at all academic levels. Most universities and colleges use a letter grading system, where each letter represents a specific rank on a scale of 0 to 100 points:
- A = 90 – 100
- B = 80 – 89
- C = 70 – 79
- D = 60 – 69
- F = < 59
The passing grade is between 60 and 70 points, with a common requirement of at least 70 (letter C) to pass.
What do grades mean in the United States?
This system avoids the use of the letter E to avoid confusion with the old "E" for Excellent. An A grade indicates outstanding performance, while an F indicates that the minimum passing grade was not met.
How is GPA calculated?
The GPA is the weighted average of grades on a scale of 0.0 to 4.0. Each letter grade translates to points: A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, and F = 0. To calculate it:
- Multiply the numerical value of the grade by the course credits.
- Add up the points obtained in all subjects.
- Divide by the total number of credits taken.
Example: An A (4.0) in a 3-credit class is worth 12 points; a B (3.0) in a 4-credit class is worth 12 points; the final grade is divided by the total credits to obtain the GPA.
School grades in the United States
Elementary School
Similar to primary education in many countries, basic skills such as reading, writing, math, science, and social studies are taught here, usually by a single teacher.
Secondary (Middle School and High School)
Students have different teachers for each subject, choose electives, and take required courses. At the end of 12th grade, they earn the High School Diploma , required for university admission.
Higher (College/University)
After high school, students pursue undergraduate studies ( Undergraduate Studies ) and, if they continue, graduate studies ( Graduate Schools ) that can lead to master's and doctoral degrees.
How to convert your grades to the American system?
For those from other countries, it's important to convert their grades to the U.S. format so universities can evaluate them correctly. Agencies such as WES , ECE , and SpanTran offer this service officially. Although there are online calculators to estimate GPAs, only an official evaluation is valid for universities.
Tips for international students
- Speak to the admissions office to clarify any questions before applying.
- Learn about the education system and GPA before starting your studies.
- Consult the international office regarding visa and insurance requirements.
- Improve your English and take advantage of the university's language resources.
- Use student support services (immigration, academic and cultural counseling).
- Participate in university activities to integrate and expand your network.
- Organize your time and finances with foresight.
- Comply with immigration regulations to maintain legal status.
