Understanding the GPA System at Dartmouth College
Dartmouth College—yes, the Ivy League school nestled in Hanover, New Hampshire—does things a little differently when it comes to grading. While most universities use a straightforward 4.0 GPA system, Dartmouth adds its own twist: students are not officially given GPAs on their transcripts. However, grades are still recorded, and an unofficial GPA can be calculated based on the standard grading scale.
So even though you won’t see a GPA on your official transcript, professors still give grades, and graduate schools or employers may request a GPA equivalent. Let’s break it all down.
Grade Scale at Dartmouth College
Although Dartmouth doesn’t calculate an official GPA, here’s how grades are typically interpreted using the standard 4.0 scale most students and advisors use when estimating GPA:
| Letter Grade | Grade Point Equivalent |
|---|---|
| A | 4.0 |
| A– | 3.7 |
| B+ | 3.3 |
| B | 3.0 |
| B– | 2.7 |
| C+ | 2.3 |
| C | 2.0 |
| C– | 1.7 |
| D | 1.0 |
| E / F | 0.0 |
| NR (No Report) | Not factored into GPA |
| CT / NC / AU | Not for credit; no GPA |
Grades like “CT” (credit) or “NC” (no credit) are used for certain courses or under the Non-Recording Option (NRO), and these do not impact GPA calculations.
The Non-Recording Option (NRO)
Dartmouth’s Non-Recording Option is a unique grading policy that allows students to take academic risks. Here’s how it works:
- You set a threshold grade (say, B–).
- If you meet or exceed it, you receive the grade on your transcript.
- If you fall below that threshold but still pass, the transcript will show “CT” (credit), with no grade reported.
- If you fail, it becomes an “NC” (no credit).
The beauty of NRO is that it gives you the chance to explore challenging subjects without fear of dragging down your GPA—unofficial or otherwise.
Department-Specific Grading Notes
Dartmouth does not publicly publish different GPA calculation rules per department. However, some departments may have internal grading expectations (especially for honors), so it’s wise to check with your major advisor or department website for any grade-based distinctions (like qualifying GPAs for thesis programs).
What Shows on Your Transcript?
Here’s what your Dartmouth transcript includes:
- All letter grades you’ve earned
- Credit/no credit distinctions under NRO
- No official GPA
- Class rank is also not listed
If you’re applying to grad school, your GPA may need to be calculated manually using your transcript.
Summary: What You Should Know
- No official GPA: You’ll likely need to calculate your own if needed.
- Standard letter grades: A to F grading applies, with corresponding grade points if you choose to calculate GPA.
- NRO system: Helps protect your transcript while encouraging academic exploration.
- Transcripts include grades, not GPA or class rank.