How does GPA compare?

[HappyWarror]

I'm a U.K Citizen in Canada as a Permanent Resident. Currently waiting out for my Citizenship - upon which I plan to apply to the C.F as an Officer.

My University education took place in the UK, where I studied Communications and Journalism. When I first arrived here a few years ago, I paid to have my UK transcript officially converted to the Canadian system.

My course and institution are recognized in Canada, which is great. Under U.K qualifications, I achieved a 1st Class Honours in my degree. This converts over here to a GPA of 3.54.

Now, I've got no experience with the North American GPA system. How does this compare on the GPA scale? Is 3.54 at least somewhat respectable?

As I say, it's all new to me and a lot of research I have done has been from sites that are out of date. I figured asking here would get more accurate responses.

Best,
H.W

 

[mld]

Hi there,

Can you tell me what scale you are using? In Canada, different Universities are on different scales. Some use a 4.3 scale, and others use a 4.0 scale.  Here is a link to how to convert to the OMSAS scale. This is a standardized scale. With either scale, you are sitting between a B+ and an A- average, which is respectable enough, although not competitive for things like medical or law school. I believe a university average like yours would work in your favor when applying to the CF.

http://www.ouac.on.ca/docs/omsas/c_omsas_b.pdf

- Meg

 

[OYR_Pilot]

Hi,

Depending of your field a studies (But for most of them), a GPA of 3.54 is very good and the equivalent of an average of A-

Mld, I have a bachelor's degree in Law and students in my class above 3.5 were competitives students for a job in the biggest law firms here in Montreal.

 

[SOES_vet]

I achieved a 1st Class Honours in my degree. This converts over here to a GPA of 3.54.

Now, I've got no experience with the North American GPA system. How does this compare on the GPA scale? Is 3.54 at least somewhat respectable?

Since you went to a foreign university you need to have your transcript evaluated by an outside assessment agency.  I had these people do it for me, as directed by my recruiting officer:

http://www.icascanada.ca/

It will cost you a couple hundred dollars.

That said, you went to a UK school and graduated with First Class Honours. I don't think you will have any trouble qualifying, with regards to the educational requirements, to be an Officer.

Good luck

 

[PMedMoe]

Since you went to a foreign university you need to have your transcript evaluated by an outside assessment agency.  I had these people do it for me, as directed by my recruiting officer:

http://www.icascanada.ca/

It will cost you a couple hundred dollars.

Guess you missed this part of the post:

When I first arrived here a few years ago, I paid to have my UK transcript officially converted to the Canadian system.

 

[SOES_vet]

Guess you missed this part of the post:

When I was applying, I was told that the CF would only recognize an assessment by the International Assessment Service of Canada. There are a number of different ways to get an assessment, and the poster didn't specify. 

 

[SentryMAn]

3.54 on either scale is decent grades.

I wouldn't worry to much about holding a 3.54 GPA based on a 4.2-4.3-4.0 scale.


 

 

[HappyWarror]

I used WES: http://www.wes.org/

When the time comes I'll double-check with a recruiter - but if they require my transcripts to be sent to ICAS I'll do that too.

This is only a University transcript. Will they also require information from my High School?

 

[micah]

Taken from forces.ca:

Once your online application has been sent to the Canadian Forces National Recruiting Contact Centre, a recruiter will send you an email reminding you to mail in photocopies of:

your birth certificate
a piece of government issued photo id
transcripts from your highest level of education
any proof of trade qualifications or professional licenses, and
any additional forms required for the job or program you selected.

 

[HappyWarror]

Taken for forces.ca:

Once your online application has been sent to the Canadian Forces National Recruiting Contact Centre, a recruiter will send you an email reminding you to mail in photocopies of:

your birth certificate
a piece of government issued photo id
transcripts from your highest level of education
any proof of trade qualifications or professional licenses, and
any additional forms required for the job or program you selected.

Perfect, thanks.

 

[mld]

Mld, I have a bachelor's degree in Law and students in my class above 3.5 were competitives students for a job in the biggest law firms here in Montreal.

The key word in this post is bachelor degree, a Law degree is different, and that was what I was referring to. He is a foreign student, and they are held to much higher standards when applying to schools in Canada. A competitive GPA for Canadian students is not the same.