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What is GPA (Grade Point Average)?

GPA (Grade Point Average) is a numerical summary of a student's academic performance in the US grading system, calculated on a scale of 0 to 4.0.

Definition

In the US system, each grade is assigned a point value: A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F = 0.0. Some schools use weighted GPAs, where advanced or honours courses earn additional points (e.g., A in AP = 5.0).

GPA is cumulative — calculated as the average of all grade points across all courses taken. A 4.0 GPA is a perfect grade point average. For US university admissions, a high school unweighted GPA above 3.5 is generally competitive; above 3.8 is strong for selective institutions.

Why it matters for Pakistani students

Pakistani students applying to US universities need to understand how their FSc percentage converts to a US GPA. Conversion varies by institution but a rough guide: 90%+ ≈ 3.7–4.0, 80–89% ≈ 3.0–3.7, 70–79% ≈ 2.5–3.0. Some universities request an official WES (World Education Services) evaluation of your Pakistani transcript. Check whether your target US universities require transcript evaluation services.

Related Terms

Transfer StudentAdmissionsMerit ScholarshipFinancial AidCGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average)Academic

Related Resources

Scholarships

LUMS National Outreach Programme (NOP)LUMSHEC Need-Based ScholarshipsHigher Education Commission of Pakistan

Guides

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