If you’re an Iranian student planning to apply to universities in the United States, understanding how to convert your grades to the U.S. GPA system is a key step. The grading system in Iran is structured differently from the U.S. system, but with the right approach, you can translate your academic achievements into a format that U.S. admissions offices recognize.
Iranian Grading Scale
In Iran, educational institutions generally use a 0–20 grading scale at both secondary school and university levels. The minimum passing grade varies depending on the degree level, with higher thresholds for more advanced programs. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the typical grading scale:
| Iranian Grade | Description | Passing Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| 18–20 | Excellent | |
| 16–17.99 | Very Good | |
| 14–15.99 | Good | |
| 12–13.99 | Satisfactory | |
| 10–11.99 | Acceptable | Undergraduate |
| 0–9.99 | Fail |
Key Details:
- For undergraduate programs, the minimum passing grade is 10.
- For master’s programs, the minimum passing grade is 12.
- For doctoral programs, the minimum passing grade is 14, and an overall GPA of 15 is required to graduate.
Variations Between Institutions
Although the 0–20 scale is standard, some institutions have slight variations in their grading policies or passing thresholds. For instance, doctoral programs at certain universities may require a minimum grade of 14 for individual subjects, with a higher overall GPA to graduate.
National Ranking Systems
In Iran, the Konkour (National Entrance Examination) is a standardized test used for university admissions. This exam evaluates students’ knowledge across various subjects and plays a significant role in determining eligibility for higher education institutions. However, the Konkour score does not directly contribute to your GPA — it’s considered separately for admissions decisions.
The US 4.0 GPA System
U.S. universities use a standardized 4.0 GPA scale to evaluate academic performance. This scale assigns numerical values to letter grades based on performance in each course. Here’s how it typically breaks down:
| Letter Grade | GPA Value | Percentage Range (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| A | 4.0 | 90–100% |
| B | 3.0 | 80–89% |
| C | 2.0 | 70–79% |
| D | 1.0 | 60–69% |
| F | 0.0 | Below 60% |
Unweighted vs. Weighted GPA
- Unweighted GPA is calculated based on the raw grade value without considering course difficulty.
- Weighted GPA gives additional points for more challenging courses (like Honors or AP), potentially raising the scale above 4.0.
For this guide, we’ll focus on the unweighted GPA since it’s the most common standard for international applicants.
The Conversion Process
Converting your Iranian grades to the U.S. 4.0 GPA system is straightforward once you understand the equivalencies. Follow these steps to calculate your GPA accurately:
1. Collect Your Grades
Obtain your academic transcript from your Iranian institution. Take note of whether it uses the 0–20 scale consistently or if variations (like pass/fail) are involved.
2. Match to U.S. Equivalents
Use the table below to convert each Iranian grade into its U.S. letter grade and GPA value:
| Iranian Grade | U.S. Letter Grade | U.S. GPA Value |
|---|---|---|
| 18–20 | A | 4.0 |
| 15–17.99 | B | 3.0 |
| 12–14.99 | C | 2.0 |
| 10–11.99 | D | 1.0 |
| 0–9.99 | F | 0.0 |
3. Assign GPA Values
For each course, assign the corresponding U.S. GPA value based on the table.
4. Calculate Your Average
- Add up all GPA values.
- Divide by the total number of courses.
- If your transcript lists credits, multiply each GPA value by the credit hours, sum them, and divide by the total number of credits.
Example Conversion
Here’s an example of how to convert Iranian grades into a U.S. GPA:
| Course | Iranian Grade | U.S. GPA Value |
|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | 19 | 4.0 |
| Course 2 | 16 | 3.0 |
| Course 3 | 14 | 2.0 |
| Course 4 | 11 | 1.0 |
Total GPA Points = 4.0 + 3.0 + 2.0 + 1.0 = 10.0
Average GPA = 10.0 ÷ 4 = 2.5
Disclaimer: This table provides approximate conversions. U.S. universities may use their own evaluation methods, so your official GPA might differ. Always consult your target schools for specific requirements.
Common Questions Answered
Q: How accurate is this conversion table?
A: The table provides a general guideline based on common Iranian and U.S. standards. However, U.S. universities may adjust conversions based on their specific policies. Check with your target university for their official process.
Q: How does the Konkour exam affect my GPA?
A: The Konkour is a separate entrance exam used for university admissions and does not affect your GPA calculation. It’s considered independently during the admissions process.
Q: What GPA is considered competitive for U.S. university admissions?
A: A GPA of 3.0 (around a ‘B’ average) is competitive for many schools, but top-tier universities may expect closer to 3.5–4.0.
Q: What if my school uses a plus/minus system (e.g., A+, B-)?
A: Most U.S. universities simplify foreign grading scales to whole grades. If your transcript specifies plus/minus distinctions, consult your target school’s admissions office.
Q: What about university-specific scales?
A: If your Iranian university already uses a 4.0 scale, you may not need to convert. Just confirm that it aligns with U.S. grading standards.
Final Tips
- Research Specific Requirements – Each U.S. university may have unique GPA conversion standards. Always verify with the admissions office.
- Consider Professional Evaluation – Some schools require credential evaluation through services like WES (World Education Services).
- Highlight Academic Achievements – Emphasize any honors or distinctions in your application to help admissions officers understand the value of your accomplishments.
Good luck with your applications!