Rounding GPA on a Resume — The Definitive Guide

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Adding your GPA score on your resume is only necessary if it is above 3.5 or is asked for in the job description.

Otherwise, it is best to leave it out of your resume entirely.

You can also include your Major or Minor GPA if it is above 3.5 and your overall program GPA is below 3.5.

If you choose to add your GPA, you may be wondering if you can round it.

The answer is yes, you just have to be careful about how you’re rounding it.

Keep reading to find out how!

 

How to round GPA on a resume?

You can round your GPA to the nearest hundredth and avoid rounding to the tenth. Rounding only one decimal place is the best way. Don’t round if the job description is asking for a minimum GPA requirement or if you know that transcripts will be checked.

 

Rounding your GPA to the nearest hundredth

Rounding your GPA to the nearest hundredth is the best way as it does not make much of a difference and so will not make you dishonest.

 

Rounding GPA to the nearest hundredth example

 

 

Avoid rounding your GPA to the tenth

Rounding your GPA to the tenth makes more of a difference accuracy-wise than rounding to the hundredth.

 

Rounding GPA to the nearest tenth example

 

 

This could backfire.

If the recruiters have set a minimum GPA score as a requirement and you can only achieve it by rounding, don’t do it. 

The hiring official could ask for transcripts and notice that what you included in your resume is not what it actually is. 

If you do not meet the minimum GPA requirement, you can add your Major GPA if it is a high score.

The recruiter might consider your Major GPA over your overall GPA.

Avoid rounding if it changes the truth of your academic performance, which brings us to our next point.

 

Don’t round your GPA if it affects the accuracy of your transcript or Honors

Sometimes, rounding to the tenth can be problematic because not only could it change a letter grade, it can also change your Honors.

Don’t round your GPA if it takes your Summa Cum Laude to Magna Cum Laude or anything likewise.

 

Never round your GPA to 4.0

Rounding your GPA to 4.0 is never recommended because it implies perfect academic performance.

You will most likely be asked about it and it will not look good to have to clarify that your actual GPA is less than 4.0.

 

Try to keep the same number of digits as your transcript

If you are unsure as to how many digits of your GPA to include on your resume, the best way is to use the same number your school used.

It’s always better to stay true to what is in your transcript for accuracy.