As an International Student, What Grades Do You Need to Study in US?

The US is home to Ivy League and other top non-Ivy League institutions worldwide. The United States of America (US) is one of the most popular study-abroad destinations globally. So, why do students opt to study in the USA? There are several reasons for this choice – from cultural diversity to economic factors, various aspects add up to why studying in the USA is a desirable choice for international students. Also, the US is known for tech-related courses, and the academic landscape is famous for its management courses in universities such as Princeton University and Harvard University. Because of its high-class education, renowned degree programs, opportunities to learn, and well-paying jobs, the USA has become the preferred destination for international students embarking on their higher studies journey.

Read: Study in USA Guide for Indian Students – Jamboree 

What is a GPA?

Every international student must fulfil some eligibility requirements before applying to US universities, But the most crucial factor in this process is GPA! What is a GPA? GPA is a score used to evaluate your success during your degree program. On a scale from 1.0 to 4.0, your GPA tracks your progress during your studies. This number assesses whether you are within the standards and expectations set by the degree program or university. Though no fixed minimum GPA criteria apply universally, many graduate programs may have a requirement for an undergraduate GPA score of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. However, more competitive programs may have higher GPA expectations. Usually, each university has specific eligibility criteria regarding the grade requirements. Therefore, we must study the university admission criteria to understand the grade requirements better. Students aiming to pursue a Master’s program in the US may have to appear for either the GRE or GMAT exams and the English proficiency tests TOEFL and IELTS. 

Which Exams Are Required for Applying to US Universities?

The scores on these tests also play a crucial role in the admission process for an international student.

GRE is an exam for MS in USA. The exam is also accepted for Ph.D. courses. A minimum overall GRE score of 320 is required in top US universities.

GMAT is a common test required for admission to various business schools in the USA and beyond. US universities accept an average GMAT score of 665, while some top business schools may require a score above 685. Many universities may also offer GMAT waiver options with requirements of a higher undergraduate GPA or work experience.

IELTS is a commonly accepted English test worldwide. The minimum IELTS score required by most US universities is 6.5 band.

TOEFL is the most popular test in the USA and is widely preferred by most international students. The required score range of TOEFL is 65 to 85 for internet-based tests. However, some programs, such as Ph.D., may require a higher score, with a range between 90 and 110. A minimum score of 20 is recommended in each section of TOEFL iBT for Ph.D. applicants.

LSAT is a standardised test for students who want to be admitted to law schools. The students are evaluated based on their reading and verbal reasoning skills.

The SAT (The Scholastic Assessment Test) evaluates aspirants based on literacy and writing skills needed for higher education academic success. This test assesses the applicants’ skills that they learned in school and will use further in college. 

Study in US: Application Requirements

Let us now see what the requirements across various study programs are:

Bachelor’s Programs

• A high school diploma or equivalent qualification
• Minimum GPA 2.50 to 3.60 (or equivalent)
• Minimum TOEFL 61 to 100 (or equivalent)

Master’s Programs

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification
• Minimum GPA 2.50 to 3.50 (or equivalent)
• Minimum TOEFL 78 to 100 (or equivalent)

Any aspiring applicant looks forward to getting admitted to their dream university or program. We discussed how crucial it is to keep a check on grades. However, we must remember that grades are not the only thing that makes or breaks an application. For a student, their GPA is a benchmark that helps the university assess their eligibility and alignment with their respective program and institutional structure.

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