University of Waterloo/Wilfrid Laurier University Grade Conversion
I'm currently a 3rd year student in a 5 year double degree co-op program in Canada. I am getting my Math degree from the University of Waterloo and a BBA from Wilfrid Laurier University. I'm very interested in applying to HBS 2+2 program when I graduate.
I'm curious what my "GPA" would be in the US. My cumulative average so far is 91% (on my Waterloo transcript) and 11.38 out of 12 (on my Laurier transcript). Both transcripts have the same courses, they're just converted/displayed differently. What would my GPA be on the US 4 point scale?
Just to add on, I plan on taking the GRE instead of GMAT to keep my options open (would this be frowned upon?). What kind of GRE score should I be aiming for based on my GPA and the other factors mentioned below? What are my chances of getting an offer once I apply in 2 years?
Some side information:
- On my co-op terms I've worked for a reinsurance company, one of the big 4 accounting firms, and with the government. I have one more 4 month co-op term left. I will have 16 months of work experience at 4 different workplaces by the time I graduate.
- I've taken on various leadership roles such as head orientation leader for 3 years (so far), private tutoring, etc.
- I've also placed top 3 in a few competitions such as DECAU and Communitech's competitions.
- I'm majoring in mathematical finance (pure math and acturial science), minoring in economics, and doing an option in entrepreneurship.
Thanks.
about 3.50
WLU and UW should both have a table that translates their 12-point scale to a 4-point scale. Just do a quick google search.
GPA is fantastic, don't know much about the GRE so I can't comment on that. You're co-op terms are good - Big 4 experience is great. Other accomplishments are fine.
It all depends on what your story is. What do your vision for your career? What have you done so far to make progress on that? How can HBS help you get there?
Your degree, work experience, and accomplishments, should all tell a story of who you are and what you're aiming for.
My only concern is that there is nothing in your description that pops out. Honestly, it just look like you're another really smart kid who did the usual extracurriculars (case competitions and such). The entrepreneurship aspect is pretty cool - do you have any experience with a startup (through Velocity or Communitech?)
Thanks TopChedder.
I did a google search for the conversions and it points to a 4.0 GPA (OUAC's OMSAS chart). I'm kind of skeptical of this though since "the average HBS GPA is 3.68" and I can't imagine myself being that much above the average.
In terms of my career/life goals, I want to start my own company. As of now, I am working on gaining knowledge and experience to establish a foundation for my ultimate goal. I am planning on starting my company once I am in graduate school or even after I graduate. Based on your comment, should I be looking to start now?
4.0 sounds about right since your average is 90%+.
Should you start your own company now? F*ck yeah, you should get on that TODAY. There is NO better time to start your own business then while you're in school - not to mention you're in one of the best regions to be in for entrepreneurs (there's SO MUCH support from both UW and the community (see Communitech) that it will never be as easy as it is now). Seriously dude, get on that - get involved with entrepreneurship societies (I know UW will have plenty alternatives) and start something. Even if it's something you think will fail, go for it and see what happens. I guarantee the people you will meet and experience you gain along the way will be much more valuable than the business itself.
Success in entrepreneurship is achieved solely through experience - there's no such thing as an "aspiring entrepreneur" or "entrepreneur in the making" as people will sometimes tell you. You either are, or you aren't.
Especially when looking at a school like HBS - they want to see go-getters, people that are willing to disrupt. Even if it means sacrificing your GPA a little bit - a 3.8 with some kickass experience is much much better than 4.0 with a couple case competition medals.
You are literally at the best school in the best city in Canada to be an entrepreneur - I don't know if you planned that or not, but take advantage of that and don't wait until graduate school or beyond.
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