When to Include Your GPA on Your Resume - A Complete Guide

job search personal brand Oct 26, 2024

Wondering when should you include your GPA on your resume? It’s a straightforward question, but the answer isn’t always obvious.

There’s no strict rule about including your GPA, but you can simplify your decision by asking yourself two key questions.

In this article, we’ll provide all the information you need on when you should include your GPA on your resume to enhance your application.

Let’s dive in and explore the factors that can help you determine the right choice for your resume!

When to Include Your GPA on Your Resume

You should include your GPA on your resume if:

You graduated college within the past two years
Your GPA is above a 3.0

If you meet bot of those criteria, you should include your GPA on your resume.

When NOT to Include Your GPA on Your Resume

You should NOT include your GPA on your resume if:

You graduated college over 2 years ago
Your GPA is less than a 3.0

If you meet one or both of those criteria, you should not include your GPA on your resume.

Once you have over two years of work experience, it's probably time to remove your GPA from your resume. You've now matured into a working professional, so use that extra space on your resume to elaborate more on your work experience.

If your GPA is lower than a 3.0, including it has a higher chance of hurting you than benefiting you so do not include your GPA on your resume.

The Difference Between a Major GPA and Cumulative GPA, and Which You Should Include

Understanding the difference between GPA types is essential when deciding when to include your GPA on your resume.

A cumulative GPA reflects the grades from every course taken at your university, while a major GPA includes only the grades from courses within your major discipline.

If you have a lower cumulative GPA, consider including your major GPA on your resume. Hiring managers often view candidates with lower cumulative scores more favorably if they have a strong major GPA, as it indicates expertise in a relevant area.

However, keep in mind that hiring managers prioritize different factors based on their needs. Some may value a major GPA because it aligns closely with the position, while others prefer a cumulative GPA as it showcases adaptability and a broader skill set.

If your cumulative GPA isn’t as high as you'd like, adding a minor GPA can further highlight your strengths. Including your minor GPA alongside your major and cumulative scores can help you stand out as an applicant.

If you choose to add a minor GPA to your resume, be sure to also include your cumulative GPA. A minor GPA serves as an additional indicator of your academic performance, but it shouldn’t replace your cumulative GPA.

Understanding when to include your GPA on your resume can make a significant impact on your job application!

Tips for Including (or Not Including) Your GPA on Your Resume

Put it in the education section of your resume.

When you include your GPA on your resume, it should go in the education section of your resume. Your education section also includes where you went to school, what you studied there, and when you graduated. You can also mention any academic honors and awards in this section.

Consider including your GPA for your major.

If your GPA for your major is higher than your cumulative GPA, you should consider including your major GPA instead of or alongside your cumulative GPA. Be sure to clarify which type of GPA you're including.

Be prepared to discuss it in an interview.

Don’t lie.

It's absolutely okay to omit your GPA from your resume, but it's not okay to lie about your GPA on your resume. Employers can easily verify your GPA by looking up your transcript and if you get caught lying you risk being fired.

Final Thoughts

So, when should you include your GPA on your resume?

Ultimately, the decision is up to you. With the right knowledge, you can make an informed choice that best supports your future and career goals.

Resume writing can feel overwhelming, but now you have a clear framework to determine if you should include your GPA on your resume.

If your GPA isn’t particularly high, focus on making other sections of your resume stand out, highlighting your skills, experiences, and achievements.

By understanding when you should include your GPA on your resume, you can craft a compelling document that effectively showcases your qualifications!

If you need some inspiration on where to include your GPA on your resume, check out our article on entry-level marketing resume examples for the recent graduate.