Read the scale before converting the GPA

4.0 and 4.3 scales

For GPA records, the 4.0 scale commonly assigns 4 points to an A.

Some systems assign 4.3 or 4.33 to A+, while others cap every A at 4.0. Plus/minus values also vary. Check the transcript key before selecting a table. The GPA label stays explicit in this method record.

Entity

GPA calculation or policy

Scope

Planning and method verification

Boundary

Not an official credential evaluation

5.0 and 6.0 scales

For GPA records, a higher maximum may indicate advanced-course weighting, a different native scale, or both. It does not automatically mean the scale can be divided by five or six for every official purpose.

10.0 and 100-point scales

For GPA records, numeric scales are often tempting to convert proportionally. That can be a useful estimate, but pass marks and grade bands can be nonlinear. Preserve the source score and consult the receiving institution or a credential evaluator.

Weighted, unweighted and unspecified

Applications may collect the scale separately from whether the GPA is weighted.

Common App explicitly distinguishes these fields. If weighting is unknown, do not infer it from a value above 4.0 without checking the school profile.

Scale labels are evidence

The label beside a GPA is part of the value: 3.7/4.0 and 3.7/5.0 describe different relative positions. The first equals 92.5% of its scale; the second equals 74%. A GPA copied without its denominator loses information needed for any later conversion.

Weighting is a separate attribute

A scale maximum and a weighting policy describe separate GPA attributes. Common App records the reported scale and weighting status separately, which prevents a 5.0 maximum from being treated automatically as a one-point course bonus. A complete GPA record therefore keeps both attributes.