If you're planning to study abroad, especially in the US and applying for scholarships at universities, understanding GPA is crucial. If you're still unclear about GPA and want to know what GPA is, what exactly is GPA? Then, let's dive into this article.

Below, Mytour shares what GPA is, what GPA means, how to calculate GPA, and how to convert Vietnamese grades to GPA. Let's explore together.
What is GPA? What is GPA score?
GPA stands for Grade Point Average, representing the average evaluation score of students in the US education system. GPA serves as a criterion for assessing students' academic performance, reflecting their learning level and effort to some extent.
GPA is calculated by adding up the average scores of various subjects and then dividing them evenly to obtain the average score.

How to calculate GPA
GPA is essentially the average grade of courses, similar to Vietnam, where different courses may carry different credit weights in the average calculation. Important or longer courses will have higher credit weights.
Typically, GPA is calculated using the formula:
GPA=∑điểmtrunbìnhmôn∗sốtínchỉ
GPA is calculated on a 4-point scale, unlike Vietnam's 10-point scale, with 4 being the highest score. Grades are marked on a scale of (A, B, C, D, F) or numerical form from 0 to 4.
Converting 10-point scale to GPA
US GPA |
Điểm (hệ 4.0) |
Điểm (hệ 10.0) |
A+ |
4 |
8.5 - 10 |
A |
3.8 - 3.9 |
|
A- |
3.4 - 3.7 |
|
B+ |
3.1 - 3.3 |
7.0 - 8.4 |
B |
2.8 - 3.0 |
|
B- |
2.4 - 2.7 |
|
C+ |
2.1 - 2.3 |
5.5 - 6.9 |
C |
1.8 - 2.0 |
|
C- |
1.4 - 1.7 |
|
D+ |
1.1 - 1.3 |
4.0 - 5.4 |
D |
0.8 - 1.0 |
|
D- |
0.7 |
|
F |
< 0.7 |
< 4.0 |
The Significance of GPA
GPA holds significant importance when applying to universities in the United States. US universities typically require a minimum GPA of 3.3, and for scholarship consideration, a GPA above 3.9 is often required.

Nevertheless, GPA isn't the sole determinant as US institutions value students' vigor and involvement in extracurricular activities during their high school years. These activities help students expand networks, gain practical experience, and enhance skills...
Furthermore, some US universities assess incoming students based on factors like SAT, TOEFL, IELTS, GMAT, GRE scores, recommendation letters, essays, and students' experiences...
Above, Mytour has shared with you information related to GPA scores. We hope through this article you will have a better understanding of GPA scores, so if you intend to apply to universities in the United States, you will know if you meet the requirements to apply. Wishing you all success!