Simon Fraser University (SFU) is consistently ranked among Canada’s top comprehensive universities. If you are aiming for admission, understanding how your high school or college marks translate into academic standing is the first step toward building a successful application.

How an A- Letter Grade Impacts Your Application

When calculating your competitive admission average, letter grades are converted to a standardized percentage or a 4.0 GPA scale.

An A- letter grade is an excellent academic benchmark. In most Canadian secondary and post-secondary grading systems, it breaks down as follows:

• Percentage Equivalent: 80% to 84%
• GPA Conversion: 3.67 on a standard 4.33 scale, or 3.50 on a 4.0 scale.

While an A- demonstrates strong academic command, its impact varies depending on the specific faculty you want to enter.

Faculty Cutoffs and Selectivity Tiers

SFU utilizes a holistic “List A and List B” course evaluation method, meaning your grades in program-specific prerequisites matter just as much as your overall average.

Highly Competitive Programs (Threshold: Above an A-)

For programs like Computing Science and the Beedie School of Business, an A- grade puts you right on the baseline threshold. Applicants to these programs frequently average an A (85%+) or A+ (90%+). If your average sits at an A-, ensure your personal profile, extracurriculars, or secondary choices are robust.

Moderately Competitive Programs (Threshold: Solid A-)

For the Faculty of Science or Faculty of Environment, an A- letter grade makes you a highly competitive applicant. Historically, these programs accept students with steady mid-B to low-A averages.

Accessible Entry Programs (Threshold: B to A-)

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) boasts the university’s largest enrollment capacity. An A- average places you well above the historical cutoffs for these disciplines, giving you an exceptionally high probability of direct admission.