SAT/ACT to GPA Converter
Understand the correlation between your standardized test scores and typical GPA ranges. Get insights into how your academic performance compares across different metrics.
Score to GPA Converter
Understanding SAT/ACT to GPA Correlations
Why Scores and GPA Don't Always Match
Different Skills Measured: Standardized tests measure test-taking ability and specific academic skills, while GPA reflects consistent performance across diverse subjects and time periods.
Course Rigor Variations: A 3.8 GPA in all AP courses represents different achievement than a 3.8 in regular classes.
School Differences: Grading standards vary significantly between schools, making GPA comparison challenging.
Test Preparation Impact: Extensive test prep can significantly boost standardized scores without changing actual academic ability.
How Colleges Use Both Metrics
Holistic Evaluation: Most colleges consider both GPA and test scores as part of a comprehensive review.
Contextual Analysis: Admissions officers look at score-GPA relationships within the context of your school and opportunities.
Trend Recognition: Improving grades or test scores over time can demonstrate growth and potential.
Strength Balancing: Strong performance in one area can sometimes offset weaker performance in another.
Score and GPA Correlation Tables
SAT Score to GPA Correlations
| SAT Score | Typical GPA | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 1560-1600 | 3.9-4.0 | 99th |
| 1500-1559 | 3.8-3.95 | 95th |
| 1450-1499 | 3.7-3.85 | 90th |
| 1400-1449 | 3.6-3.75 | 85th |
| 1350-1399 | 3.5-3.65 | 75th |
| 1300-1349 | 3.4-3.55 | 65th |
| 1250-1299 | 3.3-3.45 | 55th |
| 1200-1249 | 3.2-3.35 | 45th |
ACT Score to GPA Correlations
| ACT Score | Typical GPA | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 35-36 | 3.9-4.0 | 99th |
| 33-34 | 3.8-3.95 | 95th |
| 31-32 | 3.7-3.85 | 90th |
| 29-30 | 3.6-3.75 | 85th |
| 27-28 | 3.5-3.65 | 75th |
| 25-26 | 3.4-3.55 | 65th |
| 23-24 | 3.3-3.45 | 55th |
| 21-22 | 3.2-3.35 | 45th |
Strategic Application Advice
High Score, Lower GPA
- • Emphasize test scores in applications
- • Consider explaining GPA circumstances
- • Focus on grade improvement trends
- • Highlight academic potential
- • Apply to test-score focused schools
Lower Score, High GPA
- • Consider test-optional applications
- • Retake standardized tests
- • Highlight consistent academic performance
- • Emphasize course rigor
- • Focus on GPA-focused schools
Balanced Profile
- • Highlight consistent performance
- • Focus on holistic applications
- • Emphasize extracurriculars
- • Apply to well-matched schools
- • Consider early decision options