Is It Ever Okay to Round Up Your GPA?
The short answer is no. While it’s tempting to turn that 2.95 into a 3.0 or a 3.95 into a 4.0, you should not round up your GPA. Although you might not get caught, it’s simply not worth the risk. Report your GPA exactly as it appears, to the hundredth decimal place (unless it truly is a zero—then one digit after the decimal is sufficient).
When Should You Include Your GPA on Your Resume or CV?
For applications to top business and policy schools, only include your GPA if it is 3.6 or higher. Otherwise, leave it off—admissions committees will already see it through your transcripts. There’s no need to remind them of a lower GPA by highlighting it on your resume.
What About Including Your GPA on Job Applications?
For highly competitive positions, like those at consulting firms such as McKinsey, Bain, or BCG, include your GPA if it’s 3.6 or higher (and your GMAT score if it’s over 700). For mainstream jobs, it’s acceptable to include your GPA if it’s 3.4 or higher. Anything below 3.4 is best left off your resume, unless the job doesn’t require a college degree at all.
Why Do People Feel Tempted to Round Up Their GPA?
Often, the desire to round up stems from feeling inadequate or believing that a slightly higher number might significantly improve your chances. However, admissions at prestigious schools like Harvard, Stanford, or Wharton don’t operate purely on perfect GPAs or test scores. These schools prioritize creating a diverse and cohesive student body. Your goal in applying is to showcase how you uniquely contribute to the class dynamic—not to get caught up in small details like GPA rounding or minor resume tweaks.
Focus on What Matters Most
Spend less time worrying about whether to round up your GPA or list study abroad coursework. Instead, channel your energy into writing compelling essays—this is a critical factor that distinguishes those who gain admission to their dream schools from those who do not.
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