Understanding College Grading Scales

Hey folks, quick question! I'm a little lost with the grading scale. If I got like a 36 out of 50 or a 56 out of 60 in a class, what letter grade would that translate to? How would a college view this on my transcript?

The letter grade that your scores would translate into depends on the specific grading scale used by your school/the class. Most colleges in the United States use the following grading scale (or something similar):

- A (90-100%)

- B (80-89%)

- C (70-79%)

- D (60-69%)

- F (below 60%)

Here's how you could calculate it: to convert your score to a percentage, divide the points earned by the total points possible, then multiply by 100.

For instance, a 36 out of 50 would be 72% (36 divided by 50 multiplied by 100), which would likely be a C by most standards. Similarly, 56 out of 60 would be 93.33% (56 divided by 60 multiplied by 100), which would typically be an A.

However, grading scales can vary between classes, schools, or even countries. Your school or your individual instructor will have specific policies on how they determine letter grades. It's best to check directly with them, or your class syllabus, to get the most accurate interpretation!

When colleges view your transcript, they generally translate your grades into a GPA on a 4-point scale. An A (90-100%) traditionally translates to 4.0, a B (80-89%) translates to a 3.0, a C (70-79%) to a 2.0, a D (60-69%) to a 1.0, and an F (below 60%) would be a 0.

Only the institution that you attend for college will know exactly how they judge specific grades and course levels. Admissions officers consider the grading scale of your high school when they are reviewing your transcript. That's why providing them with the grading scale or the profile of your high school as a context helps them best evaluate your performance.

Also, remember that grades are just one factor in the admissions process. College admissions offices consider your entire application, which includes your extra-curricular involvement, essays, letters of recommendation, and other components, along with your academic records.