Build a solid foundation in academics

What is GPA and does it matter?

When reading articles on Borderless, you will see "GPA" mentioned many times. GPA stands for "Grade Point Average," which is simply your grades translated into numbers. In the U.S., GPA uses a 4.0 scale, but as an international student, your scale might look different. It can be out of 10, out of 100, out of 42—any scale works, and you'll be able to report it properly.

Academics matter a lot for your application, and you should aim for as high a GPA as possible. Your GPA shows colleges that you can handle serious coursework and perform well in classes. For competitive schools, try to reach at least 3.8/4.0, while for mid-tier ones, 3.5+ is a good target. For a rough conversion of GPA, refer to this table

What else matters academically

GPA alone doesn't tell your whole academic story. One major perk of U.S. admissions is that they evaluate your achievements within your context—especially helpful for international students. Here's what else matters:

• Rigor of your curriculum: Some school systems (like IB) are recognized as tougher than others. Admissions officers appreciate challenging coursework.
• Difficulty of your classes: Choosing advanced subjects (like Advanced Physics over Spanish, especially if you're a native Spanish speaker) impresses admissions committees. Go for the hardest classes available, but still keep your grades strong.
• Class Rank: If your school tracks this, it shows how you stack up academically compared to classmates. Higher is obviously better—but if your school doesn't rank, don't stress—it won't hurt your application.

🗣️ veronica says...

Veronica Lee

Admissions Expert

No IB or AP at your school? Don't worry! Many students from regular public schools get into amazing universities. You'll just need to go above and beyond—maybe ace the SAT/ACT or take independent AP exams to showcase your academic strength.