Singapore to US GPA Converter
Convert Singapore CAP & Polytechnic GPA to US 4.0 Scale for University Applications
🔄 Interactive GPA Converter
NUS/NTU/SMU CAP scale
📚 Understanding Singapore & US GPA Systems
🇸🇬 Singapore CAP (5.0)
Scale: 0.0 to 5.0 (both A+ and A = 5.0)
Used by: NUS, NTU, SMU, and other public universities
Method: Credit-weighted average of module grades
🇺🇸 US GPA (4.0)
Scale: 0.0 to 4.0 (A = 4.0, A+ = 4.0 or 4.3)
Used by: All US colleges and universities
Method: Cumulative average across all courses
🏫 Polytechnic GPA (4.0)
Scale: 0.0 to 4.0 (A = 4.0)
Used by: SP, NP, TP, NYP, RP
Note: Similar to US scale but graded differently
Critical Differences:
- Scale: Singapore universities use 5.0 scale; US uses 4.0 scale
- Grade Distribution: Singapore A+/A both = 5.0; US A = 4.0 (some allow 4.3 for A+)
- Conversion Factor: Singapore CAP ÷ 1.25 ≈ US GPA (rough approximation)
- Rigor Recognition: US universities recognize Singapore education as rigorous and competitive
- Transcript Submission: Always submit official transcripts; don't self-convert on applications
📊 Complete Conversion Tables
⚠️ Important: These conversions are approximations based on standard equivalency tables. Individual US universities may use different conversion methodologies. Official credential evaluation services (WES, ECE) may produce different results.
Singapore University CAP to US GPA
Overall CAP to US GPA Conversion
Polytechnic GPA to US GPA
🔢 Conversion Formulas
Converting between Singapore and US GPA systems requires understanding the mathematical relationship between the 5.0 and 4.0 scales, along with grade distribution differences.
Standard Conversion Formulas:
Singapore CAP to US GPA:
US GPA = Singapore CAP ÷ 1.25
Example: CAP 4.50 ÷ 1.25 = 3.60 US GPA
US GPA to Singapore CAP:
Singapore CAP = US GPA × 1.25
Example: US GPA 3.80 × 1.25 = 4.75 CAP
Polytechnic GPA to US GPA:
US GPA ≈ Poly GPA - 0.2
Example: Poly GPA 3.75 - 0.2 = 3.55 US GPA (approximate)
Note: Polytechnic conversion is less standardized; adjustments account for grading differences.
Why These Formulas Work:
- Scale Ratio: Singapore 5.0 ÷ US 4.0 = 1.25 conversion factor
- Grade Equivalency: Singapore A (5.0) = US A (4.0) at the top
- Linear Relationship: Both systems use linear scales for intermediate grades
- Statistical Calibration: Formulas adjusted based on historical admission data
💡 Essential Facts for US Applications
Critical Information for Singaporean Students:
📌 Never Self-Convert on Applications:
Do not list a converted GPA on US university applications. Submit your official Singapore transcript with the original CAP/GPA. US admissions officers are trained to evaluate Singapore qualifications and have internal conversion methods. Self-converting can create confusion or appear misleading.
📌 Singapore Education is Well-Recognized:
Top US universities highly respect Singapore's education system. NUS, NTU, and SMU are internationally recognized. Strong CAP (4.0+) from Singapore universities is viewed as equivalent to high GPA (3.5+) from competitive US universities. Many Ivy League schools actively recruit Singaporean students.
📌 First Class Honors Matters:
First Class Honors (CAP 4.50+) from Singapore universities is highly prestigious and recognized by US graduate schools. It's often viewed as equivalent to summa/magna cum laude. For graduate admissions (Master's, PhD), First Class significantly strengthens applications to top US programs.
📌 Polytechnic Graduates Can Succeed:
Polytechnic diploma holders with GPA 3.5+ are competitive for US universities, especially for undergraduate transfer or bachelor's completion programs. Strong polytechnic performance demonstrates practical skills and work readiness valued by US institutions. Many successfully transfer after 1-2 years.
📌 SAT/ACT May Be Required:
Many US universities require SAT or ACT scores from international applicants, including Singaporeans applying as undergraduates. Graduate programs typically require GRE or GMAT. Check specific requirements for each university. Test scores complement your academic record.
📌 WES Evaluation for Graduate School:
Some US graduate programs require WES (World Education Services) or ECE credential evaluation. These services officially convert your Singapore qualifications to US equivalents. Cost is typically $100-300 USD. Many undergraduate programs don't require this, but check specific requirements.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What CAP do I need for top US universities?
For undergraduate transfer: CAP 4.00+ (equivalent to 3.2+ US GPA) for top 50 universities; CAP 4.50+ (equivalent to 3.6+ US GPA) for Ivy League and top 20. For graduate school: CAP 4.20+ is competitive for most programs; CAP 4.50+ (First Class) for top PhD programs. Remember that US admissions are holistic—research, recommendations, and statements also matter significantly.
Should I use WES for my transcript evaluation?
For undergraduate admissions, usually not needed—universities evaluate Singapore transcripts internally. For graduate school (Master's, PhD), some programs specifically require WES or ECE evaluation, especially for scholarships or assistantships. Check each program's requirements. If unsure, contact admissions offices directly. WES typically converts Singapore CAP more conservatively than our calculator.
Can I get into US universities with Second Upper Honors?
Yes, absolutely. Second Class Upper (CAP 4.00-4.49, equivalent to 3.2-3.6 US GPA) is competitive for many excellent US universities including good state universities, top private colleges outside the Ivy League, and most graduate programs. Combined with strong test scores (GRE/GMAT), recommendations, and relevant experience, Second Upper students regularly gain admission to top US schools.
How do polytechnic diplomas compare to US associates degrees?
Singapore polytechnic diplomas (3 years) are generally viewed as more rigorous than US associate degrees (2 years). Many US universities grant sophomore standing or advanced standing to poly graduates, allowing completion of bachelor's in 2-2.5 years instead of 4. With poly GPA 3.5+, students can transfer to competitive universities. Articulation agreements exist between some polytechnics and US universities.
Do US employers recognize Singapore degrees?
Yes, especially from NUS, NTU, and SMU, which are well-known internationally. These universities consistently rank in global top 50-100. Many US employers, particularly in tech, finance, and consulting, actively recruit from Singapore universities. For employment-based visas (H-1B), Singapore degrees from recognized universities are accepted. However, some employers may require WES evaluation for salary determination or licensing professions.
Is Singapore CAP 4.5 equivalent to US GPA 4.0?
Not exactly. Singapore CAP 4.5 converts to approximately US GPA 3.6 using standard formula (4.5 ÷ 1.25 = 3.6). However, the rigor and selectivity of Singapore universities means CAP 4.5 (First Class Honors) is often viewed as more impressive than US GPA 3.6 from an average institution. It's comparable to 3.7-3.8 from competitive US universities. The highest Singapore CAP of 5.0 is equivalent to US 4.0.
⚠️ Critical Disclaimer
The conversions provided here are approximate guidelines based on standard equivalency formulas. These should be used for informational and planning purposes only, not for official applications.
Each US university has its own internal methodology for evaluating international qualifications. Factors affecting evaluation include:
- University's specific conversion tables and policies
- Reputation and ranking of your Singapore institution
- Major-specific GPA requirements
- Holistic review of entire application (test scores, essays, recommendations)
- Institutional priorities and diversity goals
- Professional credential evaluation service results (WES, ECE)
Always submit official transcripts in their original format. Do not self-report converted GPAs. Contact individual universities or official credential evaluation services for definitive conversions required for specific purposes.
👨🏫 About the Author
Adam Kumar
Co-Founder @ RevisionTown
Adam is a mathematics education expert with extensive experience across multiple international curricula including IB (International Baccalaureate), AP (Advanced Placement), GCSE, IGCSE, A-Levels, and Asian education systems including Singapore, Australian, and US curricula. His expertise in comparative education makes him uniquely qualified to guide students through international qualification conversions.
Through RevisionTown, Adam has helped thousands of students from Singapore and across Asia navigate US university applications. His deep understanding of both the Singapore education system (NUS/NTU/SMU CAP, Polytechnic GPA, O/A-Levels) and US admissions processes enables him to provide practical, accurate guidance for Singaporean students pursuing American higher education.
Adam's comprehensive knowledge of how Singapore qualifications are evaluated by US institutions, combined with experience across multiple international curricula, allows him to help students effectively present their academic achievements and maximize their chances of admission to competitive US universities.
📧 Email: info@revisiontown.com
💼 LinkedIn: Connect with Adam