Below you’ll find the answers to the most common questions as they relate to deciding if and where to put your GPA on a resume.
GPA is your total grade point average and can be found on your school transcript.
You always received grades in school. Grades for tests, for projects, for homework. No matter what it was that you did you received some sort of grade. Those grades reflected your performance on any given assignment.
These grades come together and produce an average for each year you were in school. By the time senior year came around, you received a final average — your GPA.
A GPA is usually calculated on a scale between 0 and 4, with a 4.0 being the highest possible GPA.
You should only put your GPA on your resume if you meet the following:
As a student or recent graduate, putting down your GPA on a resume can offer a huge advantage to you. It can get your foot in the door for an interview. It may even waiver doubts the employer has about you. A GPA helps supplement your resume when you lack professional experience.
This is particularly true for higher GPAs. A GPA under 3.5 isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it doesn’t really make you stand out either. A high GPA meanwhile shows that you have exceptional academic skills which may translate to the professional world.
Conversely you should not put a GPA on your resume if:
If you are a student or a recent graduate and your GPA is lower than you would like, highlight the extracurriculars you have done. Note the awards or groups you are a part of. You do not fit the resume, tailor the resume to fit you.
Acknowledge your achievements and experiences. Employers not only care about past grades. They care about their workplace environment and community. They care about what you bring to their table.
Anyone who has had over three years of professional experience doesn’t need to show their GPA unless they are asked. Employers are going to be more focused on your professional skills once you have enough experience.
A GPA will go with the education experience of your resume. The placement of the GPA should be tailored to the resume format. Most of the time it will follow after the name of your university, the location of the university, and your major.
It is important to place the GPA in a natural spot. It doesn’t need to be the center of attention.
If there is one thing to keep in mind it is, to be honest. The truth will come out sooner than later. Save yourself from getting fired, and tell the truth up front.
Remember, only include your GPA if it is a 3.5 or higher.
There are several ways to list your GPA on your resume. Here are a few based on a recent college graduate named Connie.
The University of Texas, Austin, TX
Bachelor of Arts in English
GPA 3.8/4.0
This first one demonstrates the grading scale. Some schools can use a 5.0 GPA scale whereas others can use a 4.0 GPA scale. This demonstrates that Connie obtained a 3.8 on a 4.0 GPA scale.
The University of Texas, Austin, TX
Bachelor of Arts in English
GPA: 3.8
This second one does not demonstrate the grading scale. Some people prefer to not include the scale. It is your decision. Here are a few more examples below.
The University of Texas, Austin, TX
Masters of Science in Chemistry
Cum GPA: 3.8
In this example above, the cumulative GPA is listed. The cumulative GPA represents the total average of years in school grade point average.
In college, there tends to be a difference between cumulative GPA and the GPA given by major. For instance:
The University of Texas, Austin, TX
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Cum GPA: 3.8
Major GPA: 3.5
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Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.
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