What Is GPA in College? A Simple Guide for International Students
Everything you need to know about GPA in college and why it’s key to get a scholarship in the US
If you’re planning to study in the United States on a scholarship, you’ve probably seen the word GPA everywhere. But what is GPA in college, and why is it important? Here, we explain it in a simple way!
What is GPA?
GPA stands for Grade Point Average. It’s a number that shows how well you are doing in your classes. In the US, instead of only using percentages or marks, universities calculate a GPA to summarize your grades.
For every class you take, you earn a grade, and your GPA is the average of all those grades.
GPA makes it easier for universities and coaches to quickly see how you’re performing in school, no matter what country you come from.
GPA is usually on a scale of 0 to 4.0, where:
- 4.0 = excellent (A or A+)
- 3.0 = good (B)
- 2.0 = average (C)
- 1.0 = poor (D)
- Below 1.0 = failing (F)
So, the higher your GPA, the better your grades overall.
Why is GPA Important in College?
For international student-athletes, GPA is very important for the following reasons:
- University admission — Universities want to make sure you can handle their academic programs. Your GPA tells them if you’re ready.
- Eligibility for sports — To play in leagues like NCAA or NAIA, you need to meet minimum GPA requirements.
- Sports scholarships — Many scholarships look at both athletic performance and academic achievement. A strong GPA can open more scholarship options!
Even if you’re a top athlete, a low GPA might hurt your chances of getting into your dream school or receiving financial aid.
How to Calculate GPA
GPA is calculated by turning your grades into numbers and then finding the average. In college, it’s done the same way as in high school. Let’s break it down:
- Give each grade a point value → A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, F = 0.
- Add up all the points.
- Divide by the number of classes.
Some schools use a “weighted GPA” if you take advanced or honors courses, giving extra points for harder classes.
At Keystone Sports, our team assists in evaluating your academic record and converting your grades to GPA format.
What is a Good GPA for Getting a Sports Scholarship?
Different universities and divisions have different GPA requirements, but here’s a rough guide:
- 3.5–4.0 → You are eligible for a wide range of scholarships options.
- 3.0–3.4 → You’re in a good position, with many opportunities.
- 2.5–2.9 → You may qualify, but options could be more limited.
- Below 2.5 → You may need extra academic support or look at specific universities and divisions.
If you are unsure of what your options are, Keystone Sports is here to help you. We work closely with you to find the right universities for your GPA and athletic level, negotiate top scholarship offers, and provide advice on how to improve your GPA before applying.
Fill out our free evaluation and our experts will inform you about your options.
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About the author
Lorena Montañés
Lorena Montañés, SEO Specialist at Keystone Sports, pursued her career in the U.S., playing DI soccer at California State University, Fresno. There, she earned degrees in Mass Communication & Journalism and Psychology. She later completed an MBA in Business Analytics while coaching at a Division II university. Now, she aims to empower other student-athletes to achieve their dreams and have a life-changing experience.
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