If you’re a student from Saudi Arabia planning to apply to universities in the United States, you’ll need to convert your Saudi Arabian grades to the US 4.0 GPA system. Since grading systems vary across countries, understanding how your academic performance translates to the American format is crucial for a competitive application. Let’s break down the Saudi Arabian grading system and how you can accurately convert your grades.
The Saudi Arabian Grading System
Saudi Arabian schools and universities use a mix of letter grades, percentage-based systems, and sometimes point-based assessments. The grading scale varies slightly depending on the institution, but the following table outlines the most common framework used in Saudi Arabian higher education:
| Saudi Grade | Percentage Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 95–100% | Excellent with distinction |
| A | 90–94% | Excellent |
| B+ | 85–89% | Very Good |
| B | 80–84% | Good |
| C+ | 75–79% | Above Average |
| C | 70–74% | Average |
| D+ | 65–69% | Below Average |
| D | 60–64% | Pass |
| F | Below 60% | Fail |
Key Features of the Saudi Grading System:
- Most Saudi universities use a 0–100% scale for grading.
- Some institutions also provide letter grades alongside percentage scores.
- Grades are based on a combination of exams, coursework, projects, and in some cases, class participation.
- National standardized exams, like the General Aptitude Test (Qiyas) and Achievement Test (Tahsili), are essential for university admissions but do not directly factor into GPA calculations.
- Private universities may use slightly different scales, but the core letter-grade and percentage relationship remains consistent.
- Grading curves and adjustments are rare, as most schools follow strict criteria for assessing performance.
The US 4.0 GPA System
In the US, academic performance is measured on a 4.0 GPA scale. Here’s a quick overview of how it 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% |
Unweighted vs. Weighted GPA
- Unweighted GPA: Most US universities evaluate GPAs on a standard 4.0 scale without considering course difficulty.
- Weighted GPA: Some schools give extra points for advanced courses (e.g., AP or Honors), raising the scale above 4.0. For example, an A in an AP class might be counted as 5.0 instead of 4.0.
For this guide, we’ll focus on unweighted GPA, as it’s the most common and widely used format for international applicants.
The Conversion Process
Converting Saudi Arabian grades to a US GPA format involves three simple steps:
1. Collect Your Grades
Gather your transcript or grade report from your Saudi school or university. Ensure you have the letter grades or percentage scores.
2. Match Saudi Grades to US Equivalents
Use the following conversion table to translate Saudi Arabian grades to the US GPA system:
| Saudi Grade | Percentage Range | US Letter Grade | US GPA Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | 95–100% | A | 4.0 |
| A | 90–94% | A | 4.0 |
| B+ | 85–89% | B | 3.0 |
| B | 80–84% | B | 3.0 |
| C+ | 75–79% | C | 2.0 |
| C | 70–74% | C | 2.0 |
| D+ | 65–69% | D | 1.0 |
| D | 60–64% | D | 1.0 |
| F | Below 60% | F | 0.0 |
3. Calculate Your Average
- For each course, assign the corresponding US GPA value.
- If your transcript includes credit hours, multiply the GPA value by the credit hours.
- Add up the total GPA points and divide by the total credit hours to get your final GPA.
Example
If your grades are:
- A+ (4.0) in Math
- B (3.0) in Science
- C (2.0) in History
- A (4.0) in English
Total GPA Points = 4.0 + 3.0 + 2.0 + 4.0 = 13.0
Number of Courses = 4
GPA = 13 ÷ 4 = 3.25
👉 Final GPA: 3.25
Disclaimer: This table provides approximate conversions. Individual universities may have their own evaluation policies. Check with your target schools for their specific guidelines or try a tool like the GPA Calculator for more accuracy.
Common Questions Answered
Q: How accurate is this conversion table?
A: This is a general guideline based on typical Saudi and US grading scales. Your official GPA might vary depending on your target university’s policies.
Q: What if my school uses a pass/fail system?
A: Pass/fail grades may not contribute to your GPA directly. However, some universities might request additional clarification from your school.
Q: What if my transcript includes both letter grades and percentages?
A: Use the percentage range to determine the closest US letter grade and GPA value.
Q: Will my Qiyas or Tahsili scores affect my GPA?
A: No, these tests are used for admissions purposes, but they don’t count toward your GPA calculation.
Q: What’s a competitive GPA for US universities?
A: A GPA of 3.0 or higher is generally competitive, but top-tier universities often expect at least 3.5–4.0 for serious consideration.
Final Tips
- Focus on maintaining high grades in core subjects like math, science, and English, as these are weighed heavily in US admissions.
- If your grades are inconsistent, explain any challenges or context in your personal statement.
- Double-check with your target universities about their specific grading policies and GPA calculation methods.
Good luck with your applications!