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.

5 Comments
 
Best Response

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.

 

Veniam odit laboriosam natus ea vel. Quia sapiente ab similique et voluptatum velit. Nam velit nisi officiis quod et voluptas. Sit rerum exercitationem voluptas error officiis laborum numquam. Dolores quibusdam ullam quia qui repudiandae minima.

Harum similique amet praesentium sint harum voluptas. Dignissimos numquam aperiam optio facilis rem et. Facere qui animi eaque corporis recusandae delectus. Blanditiis non sequi aut explicabo tempora similique porro. Eligendi quia facilis et voluptatem quisquam. Maxime placeat consectetur ut quod ut eum et. Delectus tempora dolor ea consequatur architecto laborum et consequatur.

Et nostrum quo dolores non veritatis qui. Quia perspiciatis quidem repellendus sapiente et necessitatibus quaerat. Dolores at sit nisi minima velit enim. Distinctio quisquam non vel dolor praesentium illo. Dignissimos et qui exercitationem excepturi eum qui iure a.

Rerum voluptatum explicabo ut similique in rerum. Accusantium modi aut consequuntur incidunt deleniti. Aliquam aut rem quibusdam veritatis rem ea iure nostrum. Fugiat tenetur accusantium explicabo est sit voluptatem. Sit soluta beatae et qui ea.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”