How to approach predicted degree classifications on resume

Studying in the UK and applying to US banks. My UK university (which you can probably guess based off this grade description) uses a 20-point scale with the first two years being "sub-honors" and the last two years being "honors". Final degrees are classified in the typical UK system as First Honors, Upper Second Honors, etc. The grades awarded in the "sub-honors" years do not contribute to the final degree classification, with many students in their sub-honors years saying on their LinkedIn/resumes that they have a "predicted" First Class etc.

On the official Uni website, it states that the Uni does not offer a formal conversion into the American 4.0 grade system and that students need to use a credential evaluation service if they wish to get their degree equivalent in another country's grading scale. The university does offer "suggested GPA ranges" between the UK and US GPAs, however this itself is confusing as it states a 13.0 to 16.4, an Upper second honors, could be considered between 3.0 and 3.6, while a 16.0 to 17.4 could be considered between 3.7 and 3.9. This gets more confusing as there are two ranges for first honors that consist of different GPA ranges. There are other scales from study abroad programs that more accurately convert UK uni grades into US 4.0 GPA scale. Some students use this scale, but even though it's accurate, it is technically for study abroad programs.

My questions:

1. What should my resume look like to explain my converted grade scale? 

2. What is an First Honors / Upper second honors generally regarded as on a 4.0 scale?

3. If I am in my sub-honors years and yet to achieve a final degree classification, can I claim to be a predicted first honors student? What would classify a student as one?

Would appreciate any feedback from people who had similar situations, thank you.

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights to address your questions:

  1. Resume Presentation for Converted Grade Scale:

    • Clearly state your current academic status and the grading system used by your university.
    • Include a brief explanation of the 20-point scale and how it translates to the UK degree classifications (First Honors, Upper Second Honors, etc.).
    • If you use a credential evaluation service, mention this on your resume to provide clarity on the conversion.
    • Example: University of [Your University] BSc in [Your Major] Predicted: First Class Honors (Equivalent to a 3.7-4.0 GPA based on [Credential Evaluation Service])
  2. First Honors / Upper Second Honors on a 4.0 Scale:

    • According to the suggested GPA ranges provided by your university:
      • First Honors: Typically considered between 3.7 and 4.0 on the US GPA scale.
      • Upper Second Honors: Generally regarded as between 3.0 and 3.6 on the US GPA scale.
  3. Claiming Predicted First Honors:

    • If you are in your sub-honors years and have not yet achieved a final degree classification, you can state a predicted classification if it is a common practice at your university and you have a strong academic record to support it.
    • To classify as a predicted First Honors student, you should have consistent high grades in your sub-honors years that align with the criteria for First Honors in your final years.
    • Example: University of [Your University] BSc in [Your Major] Predicted: First Class Honors (Based on current academic performance)

For more detailed advice, you might want to check out similar threads on Wall Street Oasis or consult with your university's career services.

Sources: International Student - Chance of getting an IBD internship in London?, Finished 1st Year at HBS - Ask Me Anything (Q&A), Finished 1st Year at HBS - Ask Me Anything (Q&A), 3.9 GPA from an Ivy League school in a useless major. What are my options?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/should-i-take-a-gap-year-before-university-uk?customgpt=1

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Est laboriosam nihil facilis tenetur et sint. Dolor sit in laboriosam sed dignissimos. Eum aut voluptates maxime.

Aut nisi sapiente iure nihil non et. Repellendus et facilis qui ut. Sequi rerum dignissimos aut sed at qui aperiam. Beatae veritatis eaque eos recusandae. Iusto ab nulla nihil rem ut ut.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.6%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.0%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.6%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (77) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (70) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”