If you’re a student from the Philippines planning to apply to universities in the United States, understanding how to translate your grades into the U.S. GPA system is essential. The grading system in the Philippines follows a numerical and letter-based framework, but there are some variations depending on the educational level and institution.
Philippine Grading System Overview
In the Philippines, the grading system varies across elementary, secondary (high school), and tertiary (college or university) levels. Most schools and universities use a percentage-based system, but some institutions also adopt a 4.0 scale or letter-based grading. Below is a general breakdown of the typical grading scales used in the Philippines:
| Grade | Percentage Range | Description | Equivalent US Letter Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 97–100% | Excellent | A |
| 1.25 | 94–96% | Very Good | A |
| 1.5 | 91–93% | Very Good | A- |
| 1.75 | 88–90% | Good | B+ |
| 2.0 | 85–87% | Good | B |
| 2.25 | 82–84% | Satisfactory | B- |
| 2.5 | 79–81% | Satisfactory | C+ |
| 2.75 | 76–78% | Fair | C |
| 3.0 | 75% | Passed | C- |
| 4.0 | Below 75% | Conditional Failure | D (if passable) or F (if failed) |
| 5.0 | Below 60% | Failure | F |
- Grade 1.0 is the highest score, equivalent to an “A” in the U.S. system.
- Grade 3.0 is the minimum passing mark.
- Some universities use a grading system that includes a grade of 4.0 for “Conditional Failure” — which means the student may retake the exam or complete additional requirements to pass the course.
- Universities like the University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila have unique grading adjustments where the passing mark might be higher (e.g., 60% vs. 75%).
National Ranking and Variations
- The Philippines has a national ranking system known as the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT) and the National Achievement Test (NAT) at the secondary level, but these tests do not contribute directly to GPA.
- Universities may also calculate a Quality Point Index (QPI) or a Cumulative Weighted Average Grade (CWAG), which functions similarly to a GPA in the U.S.
- Private universities, such as De La Salle University (DLSU), may use modified grading scales or additional point systems for class standing, effort, and participation.
The US 4.0 GPA System
U.S. universities evaluate academic performance using a 4.0 GPA scale. This system assigns numerical values to letter grades, which reflect overall achievement across coursework. Here’s how the U.S. GPA scale works:
| Letter Grade | GPA Value | Percentage Range |
|---|---|---|
| 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% |
- In the U.S., an A (4.0) reflects excellence, while a D (1.0) is the lowest passing grade.
- Some U.S. high schools use a weighted GPA system, where Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors classes can be worth more than 4.0.
- For international students, the unweighted GPA (maximum of 4.0) is the standard used for admissions evaluation.
The Conversion Process
Converting your Philippine grades to the U.S. 4.0 GPA system involves a few steps:
Step 1: Gather Your Grades
Obtain your transcript from your school or university. Note whether it uses percentages, numerical grades, or letter grades.
Step 2: Match to U.S. Equivalents
Use the following table to convert your Philippine grades to the U.S. system:
| Philippine Grade | Percentage Range | U.S. Letter Grade | U.S. GPA Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 97–100% | A | 4.0 |
| 1.25 | 94–96% | A | 4.0 |
| 1.5 | 91–93% | A- | 3.7 |
| 1.75 | 88–90% | B+ | 3.3 |
| 2.0 | 85–87% | B | 3.0 |
| 2.25 | 82–84% | B- | 2.7 |
| 2.5 | 79–81% | C+ | 2.3 |
| 2.75 | 76–78% | C | 2.0 |
| 3.0 | 75% | C- | 1.7 |
| 4.0 | Below 75% | D (if passed) | 1.0 |
| 5.0 | Below 60% | F | 0.0 |
Step 3: Calculate Your GPA
- Assign a GPA value to each course.
- Multiply each GPA value by the course credit hours.
- Divide the total GPA points by the total number of credit hours.
Example:
If you have the following grades:
- 1.0 (4 credits) = 4.0
- 1.5 (3 credits) = 3.7
- 2.0 (3 credits) = 3.0
- 3.0 (2 credits) = 1.7
Calculation: (4.0×4)+(3.7×3)+(3.0×3)+(1.7×2)4+3+3+2=16+11.1+9+3.412=3.28\frac{(4.0 \times 4) + (3.7 \times 3) + (3.0 \times 3) + (1.7 \times 2)}{4 + 3 + 3 + 2} = \frac{16 + 11.1 + 9 + 3.4}{12} = 3.28
✅ Your U.S. GPA = 3.28
Disclaimer: This table provides approximate conversions. U.S. universities may use different evaluation methods, so your official GPA may vary. Always check with your target school for their specific evaluation process or use a GPA Calculator.
Common Questions Answered
Q: How accurate is this conversion?
A: This table is a general guideline. U.S. universities have their own policies, so conversions may differ slightly.
Q: What if my school uses a letter-based scale?
A: Follow the letter-to-GPA conversion in the table. If there’s a discrepancy, consult with your school’s registrar.
Q: What’s considered a competitive GPA for U.S. admissions?
A: A GPA of 3.0 (or higher) is typically competitive, but top schools often expect closer to 3.5–4.0.
Q: What about AP or Honors classes?
A: The table reflects unweighted GPAs. If you took advanced courses, check with the school for possible GPA adjustments.
Final Tips
- Double-check your transcript and confirm your school’s grading system.
- Be honest about your GPA — misrepresentation can harm your application.
- If unsure about conversion, consult with your target university’s admissions office.
Good luck with your applications!