Do I need grading scale documents from my college for my bachelor's degree for a Master's?
It depends on where you earned your bachelor's degree. US and Canadian transcripts usually print the grading scale on the back, so no separate document is needed. International degrees using percentages, ECTS credits or other scales often need a grading scale letter or an evaluation like WES or Scholaro.
Whether you need a separate grading scale document depends mainly on where you earned your bachelor's degree, not on the specific Master's program you are targeting. Most North American transcripts already answer this question for you, right on the page itself.
Grading Scale Requirement By Origin
| Where You Studied | Separate Grading Scale Needed | Why |
|---|---|---|
| US or Canadian institution | Usually no | Standard transcripts print the grading key or "transcript backer" explaining your GPA calculation |
| International (non-US) institution | Often yes | Different systems, such as percentage marks, first-class divisions or ECTS credits, need interpretation for admissions committees |
What To Do Next
- Check your digital transcript copy for an explanatory legend printed on the back page
- Review your target Master's program's admissions FAQ page for guidance specifically aimed at international applicants
- Contact your undergraduate registrar's office to request a grading scale letter if your transcript lacks one
- Consider a professional credential evaluation service, such as WES or Scholaro, if the program explicitly requires one
My Advice
Pull up your actual transcript PDF today and check both sides of the page for a grading key before you assume you need to request anything extra, since many students order documents they already have. If your program's website mentions WES or a similar evaluation service by name, start that process immediately, since third-party evaluations often take four to six weeks to complete.
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