Should I include GPA on my CV?

Hey all, Im currently an international freshman at a top target applying for some finance internships and I was wondering if you guys recommend for me to include my GPA on my cv? I know people say to include it because if not theyll assume its a below 3 and automatically reject you yet im not applying to any competitive internships (there is one BB internship but its in europe and doesnt seem competitive tbh). My gpa at the moment is 3.2 which is just first semester yet I expect it to reach 3.5/3.6 by the end of the year. 

Should I not include my gpa and leave hs and college gpa out of my resume considering if theyll require it later theyll require it later if they dont care they dont care? Or will that automatically get my cv thrown in the trash? Or should I put 3.5 although its not currently 3.5 but most likely will be in that range given my current midterm grades?

Please let me know as I genuinely do not know what to do!

 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know about including your GPA on your CV, especially when applying for finance internships:

  1. Include Your GPA if Above 3.0: Generally, a GPA of 3.0 or higher is considered acceptable to include on your resume. Since your GPA is currently 3.2, it's advisable to include it. This is particularly true in the finance sector, where omitting the GPA might lead recruiters to assume it is lower than it actually is.

  2. Be Honest and Upfront: Do not list a GPA of 3.5 if your current GPA is 3.2. Misrepresenting your GPA can lead to issues down the line, especially in fields like finance where integrity is highly valued. Instead, you can mention that you are on an upward trajectory in your cover letter or during interviews.

  3. Highlight Improvements: If you expect your GPA to improve significantly, you can mention your current GPA and note that it is an improvement over time or that you are currently working towards a higher GPA. This shows commitment and a positive trend in your academic performance.

  4. Focus on Other Strengths: If you feel your GPA does not reflect your abilities, make sure to highlight other strengths on your CV. This can include relevant coursework, projects, extracurricular activities, or any specific achievements that are pertinent to the roles you are applying for.

  5. Tailor Your Application: Since you mentioned that not all internships you're applying for are highly competitive, tailor your application based on the internship's requirements. For more competitive roles, ensure your CV is very strong in other areas if the GPA is slightly lower than typical candidates.

In summary, include your current GPA since it's above 3.0, be honest about it, and bolster your application with other academic and extracurricular strengths. This approach will help you navigate through your internship applications effectively.

Sources: Should I include my GPA in my resume if it is not ideal?

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

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