{"id":12415,"date":"2021-04-30T21:20:10","date_gmt":"2021-04-30T21:20:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/?p=12415"},"modified":"2022-09-01T15:35:36","modified_gmt":"2022-09-01T15:35:36","slug":"gpa-on-resume","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/gpa-on-resume\/","title":{"rendered":"GPA Scores on Resume \u2014 Here’s What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

A GPA, abbreviated for Grade Point Average, is a score that represents academic performance. <\/span><\/p>\n

GPA is calculated by dividing a student’s total grade points by their total number of credits. <\/span><\/p>\n

There are two types of GPA: Cumulative GPA which is the overall average, and Major GPA which is only calculated with major-specific courses. <\/span><\/p>\n

A student’s GPA ranges on a scale of 0.0 to 4.0. An ‘F’ grade would be a 0.0 and an ‘A+’ grade would be a 4.0. <\/span><\/p>\n

Now, when applying for a job, a lot of students actually struggle with the question of whether these GPA scores should indeed figure on their resume or not. <\/span><\/p>\n

Let’s find out!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Should a GPA be added to a resume?<\/b><\/h2>\n

A GPA should be included only if the applicant is still a college or university student or has recently graduated, has a GPA equal to or greater than 3.5, if the job description has a baseline GPA requirement, or if the job seeker has no other academic achievements. The GPA should be placed under the ‘Education’ section of the resume with the academic awards. Do not round a GPA between 3.5 – 4.0 as they are impressive enough. If rounding a GPA below 3.5, only round to the tenths or hundredths of a decimal point. A Minor GPA can be added in the ‘Education’ section if it is significantly high (3.75 and above) and only if it is relevant to the job position.<\/b><\/p>\n

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The only times to include a GPA<\/b><\/h2>\n

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When the job seeker is still a student or has recently graduated<\/b><\/h3>\n

One of the only times when it is necessary to add a GPA to the ‘Education’ section is when the applicant is still in college or university or has graduated within a year or so. This is when recruiters are still interested in the academic performance as it reflects work ethic. <\/span><\/p>\n

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If it has been more than a few years since the job seeker has been out of school and has gained work experience, the recruiters will no longer focus on the education but instead, use it just to get an idea of the seeker’s background.<\/span><\/p>\n

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When the job seeker has a GPA of 3.5 or above<\/b><\/h3>\n

Another time that the GPA should be included is when the GPA is equal to or higher than 3.5. It adds a great accomplishment to the ‘Education’ section, especially if there are no other important achievements there.<\/span><\/p>\n

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If it is 3.0 to 3.4, it may still be added because leaving it out may be assumed that the GPA is below 3.0. It is still better to add other awards instead, such as a Dean’s list, Honor Roll, or Latin Honors Title. <\/span><\/p>\n

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When the GPA is a requirement in the job description<\/b><\/h3>\n

Lastly, if an employer has specified in the job description that a requirement is a specific GPA and higher, then it should definitely be mentioned.<\/span><\/p>\n

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In case the applicant does not have a cumulative GPA that meets the baseline, the Major GPA can be added instead, granted that it is relevant to the job description. <\/span><\/p>\n

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When the job seeker has no other academic achievements<\/b><\/h3>\n

Instead of leaving the ‘Education’ section with only the degree and university mentioned, it can reflect better on the candidate to include the GPA, if it is in the 3.0 to 4.0 range. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Many companies that still appreciate a GPA in the 3.0 to 3.4 range and so if the job seeker has not acquired any other academic awards, adding the GPA instead of leaving that space blank will do the candidate well.<\/span><\/p>\n

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How to put a GPA in the resume<\/b><\/h2>\n

The GPA should be listed underneath the degree and university name in the ‘Education’ section. If the Major GPA is entered, it should be specified. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Examples:<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

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Bachelor of Business Administration<\/b><\/p>\n

Brock University, St. Catharine’s, ON | 2018 – 2022<\/span><\/p>\n