Int'l GPA & optional essay

[mehlerak]

Hello,
My undergrad institution uses a 0-100 scale. I am not attempting to 'translate' this into a 4 point scale for the application purpose, but I would be interested in knowing where I stand compared to the average GPA/mid 80%. I am not sure how to estimate this, as translations I found on the internet vary wildly. Any suggestions?

Also, I know some program prefer seeing applicants take advantage of the optional essay, while others don't care about an optional essay. Does Yale adcom have a preference here?

Thanks,
Ariel

[mcb29]

Hello,
My undergrad institution uses a 0-100 scale. I am not attempting to 'translate' this into a 4 point scale for the application purpose, but I would be interested in knowing where I stand compared to the average GPA/mid 80%. I am not sure how to estimate this, as translations I found on the internet vary wildly. Any suggestions?

Also, I know some program prefer seeing applicants take advantage of the optional essay, while others don't care about an optional essay. Does Yale adcom have a preference here?

Thanks,
Ariel

Hi Ariel,

Thanks for contacting us. To answer your first question regarding the 0-100 scale, you can just report your gpa as is on that 100 scale. Our average GPA is a 3.4 which would translate roughly into somewhere between an 87-90 on a 100 scale. However, please do not be too concerned about being at all of our averages. We have a wide range of academic backgrounds (GPA and GMAT scores) that we accept.

Regarding the optional essay, it is there for you to address anything significant that you didn't feel you were able to answer in the 2 required essays. Do not feel that you need to use the optional essay if you are able to convey all of the information that you wanted to in the required essays.

mcb29