Which GPA do you put on your resume?

insomniatic · 09-10-2008, 07:20 PM

There are 3 GPA's on my transcript (Major Option, General Major, and Overall GPA).

My major option GPA is higher than my general major and overall GPA's.

Is it fine just to list the major option GPA?

marchballer · 09-10-2008, 08:41 PM

What is the difference in major option and general major?

I put both on there but Major GPA first because its higher. In addition I am a engineer and the humanities classes drop my GPA.

ginnyvere · 09-10-2008, 09:59 PM

I've been told not to put gpa on resumes but to include gpa-based honors (cum laude, deans list, etc).

insomniatic · 09-10-2008, 10:21 PM

Major option GPA includes classes pertaining only to your specific major. The general major GPA includes classes that everybody in the special college has to take. (If your major is Finance, you would have a Finance GPA and a Business GPA.)

I have never heard that you shouldn't put your GPA on your transcript. I have heard to only put your major on your resume if it is above 3.0.

chuy · 09-10-2008, 10:48 PM

Put the highest one, but designate it accurately.

soccerguy315 · 09-10-2008, 11:15 PM

use the GPA that makes you look the best, and clarify what it is, generally "major" or "cumulative / overall". For most people, their major GPA is higher.

uyulove · 09-11-2008, 02:41 AM

I put both... o_o hmm I gues I might stick with my major GPA but my overall GPA's pretty good too so there's no harm in that right?

FBI_34 · 09-11-2008, 01:50 PM

You should put your overall GPA.

Lala7819 · 09-11-2008, 10:34 PM

Most places that tell you how to write professional resumes tell you not to include your GPA, and I'm apt to agree there. The company will ask if they really want to know, it's about as frivolous as attaching a photo to a resume (yes, I once knew a business major that insisted on doing this. Being one working closely with people involved in HR, I had to laugh at this.)

Mr. Bojangles · 09-13-2008, 03:30 AM

ALWAYS use the highest GPA, just make note of which GPA it is.

tetrahedr0n · 09-13-2008, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Most places that tell you how to write professional resumes tell you not to include your GPA, and I'm apt to agree there. The company will ask if they really want to know, it's about as frivolous as attaching a photo to a resume

It absolutely isn't "frivolous" (think about the definition of that word.) GPA may not be appropriate for someone out of school for a decade or more, when recent experience dwarfs college accomplishments, but it's incredibly relevant for college students or recent graduates.

kelseyg · 09-13-2008, 04:02 PM

I put cumulative because I have two majors and it's the simplest thing to do. They're all comparably high so I don't really have to make the choice, but I would put the highest one on there otherwise.

I've heard it's considered inappropriate to have a GPA on your resume after more than 3ish years after graduation (it looks very young), though it's okay to leave things like cum laude designations.