What is GPA? Importance of GPA when studying abroad

"What is a GPA?" and "Is it really necessary?" GPA is a problem many students intend to study abroad, especially to study and apply for study in the US. Duhoc.online will help you answer the two questions above through the article below.

1. Define GPA and how to calculate GPA

What is a GPA?
GPA (short for Grade Point Average) is the average score to evaluate student learning results of the US education system.

The GPA calculation method has many differences with the scoring method in Vietnam

How is the GPA calculated?
This GPA is calculated by adding up the average of the subjects and then dividing them evenly to get the average. The US education system often uses 4 letters (A, B, C, D) to show the learning results of students. We can understand it as follows:

A = 4 = Excellent
B = 3 = Fairly
C = 2 = Average
D = 1 = Through the subject (weak)
F = 0 = Falling (poor)

For example, if you get the results of four subjects as follows: an A, two B and a C, then we will have the calculation:

Total points: 4 × 1 + 3 × 2 + 2 × 1 = 12
Average score (GPA): 12/4 = 3 (equivalent to 7.5 on a 10-point scale).

How to convert Vietnam's 4-point score to GPA
There are some differences between Vietnam and the US in terms of points calculation, see table below for details:

2. Is GPA important when studying abroad?

GPA scores are very important, especially when you want to apply to universities in the US. Typically, US universities will require your GPA of at least 3.3. Besides, if you want to apply for scholarships, GPA must be over 3.9.

However, GPA is not all because American universities are very important about the dynamism and activeness of international students. In addition to a high GPA, international students need to participate in at least extra-curricular activities. Not only that, some universities in the US also test students for admission through factors such as SAT, TOEFL, IELTS, GMAT, GRE, letters of recommendation, essays, and student experience, ...

Students also need to participate in extracurricular activities if they want to be admitted to American University

3. Types of scholarships without GPA
However, there are still some types of scholarships that do not require GPA, including:

Gotchosen's $ 1000 monthly scholarship
Gotchosen select candidates receive scholarships in a random manner, diverse industries. However, scholarships are only spent on study costs, books, ...

College Week Live Scholarship
To receive this scholarship, simply log on to the College Week Live website and visit the three schools you are most impressed with. Scholarship applicants will also be selected at random.

Zinch Scholarship
Zinch Scholarship is received by candidates who will answer the questions in 3 short sentences. The candidate with the best answer will be awarded a scholarship.

Scholarship points
Candidates receive scholarships through things like free registration to become a member of ScholarshipPoint and collect points by what you still do online: Shopping, reading newspapers, playing games, searching, solving puzzles ... The more you The more you practice, the better your chances of getting a scholarship.

"GPA is not everything" scholarship
"Creative", "unique", "persuasive" are what you must achieve in the letter stating why you should be awarded a scholarship.

Frame My Future Scholarship
To receive the scholarship, you need to compose a work (poetry, music, paintings, ...) with a description. Applicants whose work is suitable for the fund will be selected to award the scholarship.

GPA is an important factor when you want to study abroad or apply for a scholarship, however, it is not the most important thing. In addition to improving your knowledge and English, you need to be actively involved in extra-curricular and creative activities to increase your chances of getting accepted into the school. In parallel, you should visit the school's website for more details.