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, here the grades are not only expressed in letters - like the famous scale from A to F - but concepts such as GPA, continuous evaluation and the weight that different subjects have also come into play.
For those who begin their academic path at universities like UNIMIAMI, becoming familiar with these particularities is key to planning their studies well, understanding how they will be evaluated and achieving their academic goals. In this guide we explain the qualifications in the United States in a clear and practical way:
What are the ratings 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 schools use a letter grading system, where each letter represents a given range on a scale of 0 to 100 points:
- A = 90 – 100
- B = 80 – 89
- C = 70 – 79
- D = 60 – 69
- F = < 59
The limit to pass is between 60 and 70 points, and it is common for at least 70 (letter C) to pass.
What do grades mean in the United States?
This system avoids the use of the letter E so as not to confuse it with the old “E for Excellent”. The grade A indicates outstanding performance, while the F indicates that the minimum required to pass was not met.
How is GPA calculated?
GPA is the weighted average of grades on a scale of 0.0 to 4.0. Each letter 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 credits taken.
Example: An A (4.0) in a 3-credit class is equivalent to 12 points; a B (3.0) in a 4-credit class is equivalent to 12 points; At the end, the total sum is divided by the total credits to obtain the GPA.
School grades in the United States
Primary (Elementary School)
Similar to primary education in many countries, basic skills such as reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies are taught here, usually by a single teacher.
Secondary (Middle School and High School)
Students have different teachers per subject, choose elective subjects and take compulsory subjects. At the end of the 12th grade they obtain the High School Diploma, necessary to enter university.
Higher (College/University)
After high school, students pursue undergraduate studies (Undergraduate Studies) and, if they continue, postgraduate studies (Graduate Schools) that can lead to master's degrees and doctorates.
How to convert your grades to the US system?
For those coming from other countries, it is important to convert your scores to the US format so that universities can evaluate them correctly. Agencies like W.E.S., ECE and SpanTran They offer this service officially. Although there are online calculators to estimate GPA, only an official evaluation is valid for universities.
Tips for international students
- Speak to the admissions office to clarify any doubts before applying.
- Find out about the educational system and GPA before starting studies.
- Check with the international office about visa and insurance requirements.
- Improve English and take advantage of the university's linguistic resources.
- Use student support services (immigration, academic and cultural advice).
- 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.