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Quick Conversion Reference

French Grading System (0-20 Scale)

France uses a 20-point grading scale (0-20) throughout its educational system, from primary school through university. This numerical system differs fundamentally from American percentage-based or letter-grade systems. In the French system, 10/20 is the minimum passing grade, representing basic competency rather than "average" performance.

The French approach is notably conservative and rigorous. Grades of 18-20/20 are exceptionally rare, reserved for near-perfect work. Even excellent students typically achieve 14-16/20. French teachers believe that 20/20 represents absolute perfection, which is theoretically unattainable. This conservative grading philosophy differs markedly from systems experiencing grade inflation.

US GPA System (4.0 Scale)

The United States uses a 4.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) scale where A = 4.0 (excellent), B = 3.0 (good), C = 2.0 (average), D = 1.0 (passing), and F = 0.0 (failing). Unlike the French numerical system, US grades are based on letters converted to numerical values for GPA calculation. The American system tends to award higher grades more liberally than the French system.

Understanding this relationship is crucial: a French 14/20 (Bien/Good) equals approximately US 3.3-3.7 GPA (B+), which is strong performance. However, a French 12/20 (Assez Bien/Fairly Good) converts to US 3.0 GPA (B), demonstrating that French numerical grades appear deceptively low when compared directly to the 4.0 scale without proper conversion.

Important Note: This conversion represents standard guidelines. Individual US universities may use slightly different conversion methods. Always check with your target institution's admissions office.

Approximate Conversion Formula

For a quick approximation of French to US GPA conversion, you can use this simplified formula:

Examples:

Note: This formula provides a rough estimate. The conversion table above is more accurate as it accounts for the non-linear relationship between the two systems.

No Official Universal Conversion

There is no single standardized conversion recognized by all US universities. Different institutions may interpret French grades differently. Some universities have their own conversion tables, while others rely on credential evaluation services like WES (World Education Services). The conversions provided here represent commonly accepted guidelines used by many American institutions.

French 14/20 is Not US 14/20

A critical misunderstanding: French 14/20 does NOT equal 14 on any US scale. French 14/20 (Bien/Good) converts to approximately US 3.3 GPA (B+), representing strong performance. The French system's rigor means that a 14/20 in France demonstrates better mastery than the numerical value suggests. Never assume direct numerical equivalence between systems.

French Grading is More Conservative

The French educational system is known for rigorous, conservative grading. Grades of 18-20/20 are exceptionally rare. Most excellent students achieve 14-16/20. US admissions officers are generally aware of this rigor and understand that a French 14/20 represents strong achievement, not mediocre performance. Context matters when evaluating French transcripts.

Grandes Écoles vs Universities

France's elite Grandes Écoles (like École Polytechnique, ENS, HEC) have even more rigorous grading than standard universities. A 12-13/20 from a Grande École may be considered excellent. US admissions committees familiar with French education recognize these distinctions and may evaluate Grandes Écoles transcripts with additional context about institutional prestige and grading rigor.

Baccalauréat Mentions Matter

French Baccalauréat mentions (honors distinctions) significantly impact university admissions. "Mention Très Bien" (16-20/20) is highly prestigious and demonstrates exceptional achievement. US universities understand this system and often give preference to students with mentions, recognizing them as indicators of academic excellence within the rigorous French system.

Use WES for Official Evaluation

For graduate school admissions or official credential evaluation, many US universities require World Education Services (WES) or similar NACES-approved evaluation. WES provides course-by-course evaluation and official GPA calculation that American institutions trust. Their conversion may differ slightly from self-calculations but carries official weight. Check your target university's requirements before applying.