How the Cornell Grading System Works
Cornell University calculates GPAs on a 4.3 scale, making A+ grades highly valuable.
The 4.3 Advantage
Because Cornell uses a 4.3 scale, students have the opportunity to earn a cumulative GPA higher than the standard 4.0 cap. This is particularly advantageous for highly competitive graduate programs (like law school), as admissions bodies will often accept the 4.3 scale if it is the official scale of your undergraduate institution.
Admissions Requirements & Target GPA
If you are a high school student applying to Cornell, you should be aware that their admissions committee looks at both your weighted and unweighted GPA. While the exact incoming freshman average changes yearly, competitive applicants typically aim for the highest possible percentiles.
We recommend cross-referencing your calculated high school GPA with the official Cornell Admissions guidelines to see how your academic profile compares to their most recently admitted class profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cornell use a plus/minus grading system?
Yes. Cornell utilizes a granular plus/minus grading system, which means your professors can award nuanced grades like A- or B+. You can view the exact mathematical weights of each letter grade in the official scale chart below.
How do I calculate my major GPA vs my cumulative GPA?
Your major GPA only includes courses required for your specific degree program, while your cumulative GPA includes every single course you have taken at Cornell. To calculate your cumulative GPA accurately across multiple semesters, you should use our Cumulative GPA Calculator.
What do I need on my final exam to pass?
If you are struggling in a class and need to know exactly what score to get on your upcoming final to maintain a certain letter grade, plug your current percentage into our Final Grade Calculator.
Is Cornell grading different from high school?
Yes. University grading is entirely credit-based. If you want to calculate a standard unweighted or weighted high school GPA, please use our High School GPA Calculator instead.
Official Cornell Grading Scale
Disclaimer: This calculator is provided for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Cornell University. Please refer to official university transcripts for certified records.