Welcome, Taiwanese students! If you’re considering applying to universities in the United States, understanding how to convert your Taiwanese grades into the U.S. 4.0 GPA system is essential. Let’s explore how the Taiwanese grading system works and how you can convert it accurately for your U.S. university applications.
The Taiwanese Grading System
Taiwan follows a percentage-based grading system, with scores typically ranging from 0 to 100. However, there are slight variations depending on the educational level (high school, university) and the institution. Below is an overview of the common grading scale in Taiwan:
| Taiwanese Grade | Percentage Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 90–100% | Excellent |
| A | 85–89% | Very Good |
| A- | 80–84% | Good |
| B+ | 77–79% | Above Average |
| B | 73–76% | Average |
| B- | 70–72% | Below Average |
| C+ | 67–69% | Satisfactory |
| C | 63–66% | Passing |
| C- | 60–62% | Barely Passing |
| F | Below 60% | Fail |
Most universities in Taiwan require a minimum passing grade of 60%. Grades are determined by a combination of:
- Exams – Midterm and final exams play a major role.
- Coursework – Homework, group projects, and lab work.
- Participation – Some schools consider attendance and class participation.
Variations Between Institutions
- Some universities, such as National Taiwan University (NTU), use a stricter grading scale where an A requires over 90%.
- Graduate programs may have more rigorous grading, with a higher threshold for passing.
- Certain professional programs (like law and medicine) might have additional grading criteria based on performance in internships or research.
The US 4.0 GPA System
The U.S. 4.0 GPA system is the standard way universities measure academic performance. Here’s how it works:
| 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% |
- An A reflects outstanding performance, while a D is the minimum passing grade.
- Many high schools and universities in the U.S. use a weighted GPA system for advanced coursework (e.g., Honors or AP classes). However, this guide focuses on the unweighted 4.0 GPA scale since it’s the most common standard for international students.
The Conversion Process
Follow these steps to convert your Taiwanese grades into the U.S. 4.0 GPA format:
1. Gather Your Grades
- Obtain your official transcript from your Taiwanese institution.
- Make sure to note whether your grades are presented as percentages or letter grades.
2. Match to U.S. Equivalents
Use the table below to convert each Taiwanese grade into the equivalent U.S. GPA value:
| Taiwanese Grade | Percentage Range | U.S. Letter Grade | U.S. GPA Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | 90–100% | A | 4.0 |
| A | 85–89% | B | 3.0 |
| A- | 80–84% | B | 3.0 |
| B+ | 77–79% | C | 2.0 |
| B | 73–76% | C | 2.0 |
| B- | 70–72% | D | 1.0 |
| C+ | 67–69% | D | 1.0 |
| C | 63–66% | D | 1.0 |
| C- | 60–62% | D | 1.0 |
| F | Below 60% | F | 0.0 |
3. Assign GPA Values
- Convert each of your Taiwanese grades using the table.
- Assign a GPA value to each course based on the U.S. equivalent.
4. Calculate Your GPA
- Add up the GPA values for all courses.
- Divide by the total number of courses to get your final GPA.
Example:
Suppose you have these grades over four courses:
- A+ (95%) = 4.0
- A (88%) = 3.0
- B+ (78%) = 2.0
- C (65%) = 1.0
Total GPA points: 4.0 + 3.0 + 2.0 + 1.0 = 10.0
Number of courses: 4
GPA: 10 ÷ 4 = 2.5
➡️ If credits vary (e.g., A+ and A are 3 credits each, B+ and C are 2 credits each):
(4.0×3)+(3.0×3)+(2.0×2)+(1.0×2)(4.0 × 3) + (3.0 × 3) + (2.0 × 2) + (1.0 × 2) = 12 + 9 + 4 + 2 = 27
Total credits = 10
Final GPA = 27 ÷ 10 = 2.7
Disclaimer: This table provides approximate conversions. U.S. universities may have different evaluation policies, so your official GPA may differ. Contact your target schools for specific requirements or use a GPA Calculator for precision.
Common Questions Answered
Q: How accurate is this conversion table?
A: The table offers a general guideline based on typical Taiwanese and U.S. standards. Universities may adjust conversions based on their own policies.
Q: What if my school uses a different grading scale?
A: Some Taiwanese universities use a letter-based system (e.g., A+, A, B+). Contact your school’s registrar for clarification and use the closest match from the table.
Q: Do weighted GPAs matter for international students?
A: Most U.S. universities focus on unweighted GPAs for international applicants, so follow the unweighted scale for consistency.
Q: What’s a competitive GPA for U.S. universities?
A: A GPA of 3.0 (around 85% in Taiwan) is competitive for many schools. Top-tier universities often expect closer to 3.5–4.0.
Q: Do U.S. universities consider class rank?
A: Yes, some U.S. universities may consider your class rank, but GPA is typically more important.
Q: How can I improve my GPA?
A: Focus on improving your coursework and exam scores. For tips, check out How to Raise GPA.
Final Tips
- Double-check your university’s specific grading policies before converting.
- Maintain consistency when converting grades—stick to one scale.
- If you’re unsure, consult with an academic advisor or admissions office.
Good luck with your applications!