How do I convert my marks or CPI to GPA ?

There are useful tools such as this one: http://www.foreigncredits.com/Resources/GPA-Calculator/ that you could easily find by Google search. I tested conversion from Vietnam to US, it’s quite accurate. Or if you want a quick and easy technique, this is a good resource: http://www.wes.org/gradeconversionguide/

Alternatively, when I applied I didn’t convert my grades at all. I left them as is. Instead, I justified the grading system in Vietnam, which is out of 10. For each transcript, I added legends such as 9-10: Outstanding, 8-8.9: Excellent, 7-7.99: Good, etc. Chances are universities are familiar with Indian, Chinese, systems.

Another example to not convert is if you look at the UK grading system, especially in a Master’s program, you either get an A or you pass. An A means 70/100 or above I believe. That being said, if you convert, your US GPA will seem way too low, even though that could mean you’re a genius.

Reason I did that was avoid misleading and misinterpretation. For grade point average (GPA), it’s really the average of all your classes. I would rather do it grade-by-grade, or class-by-class. The advantage is you are able to count transfer classes (or credits). And if there’s a class that you flunk, you can always justify your lower GPA. GPA in the US is calculated funny as well. You can always take an extra credit to boost up because number of credit determines weight of the class. Therefore if you convert, your GPA may appear lower than other domestic students and you lose your competitive advantage. I would advise my fellows not to convert.