Universities

The grading system used in Peruvian universities differs greatly from that of U.S. universities. Grading is not standardized among universities and Peruvian universities usually do not provide interpretations of grading systems which would be of assistance in assessing students. Without pretending to certify the applicability in all cases, the following comments are meant to help in the interpretation of most Peruvian transcripts.

	The grades are usually numerical, ranging from 0 to 20. A few universities give letter grades.
	Statistical normal distributions are not used. Professors seldom give grades on the highest and lowest limits of the scale.
	Although a few universities consider 10 a passing grade, most universities give grades from 0 to 10 for work which is considered unsatisfactory. These grades may be considered the equivalent of an "F" in the U.S. grading system unless the university indicates on the transcript that 10 is a passing grade.
	Grades 11 and above are given for work considered satisfactory. The concept of "D" as passing but less than satisfactory does not exist in the Peruvian system.
	Grades are usually lower in science and engineering courses: grades 14 and above may be considered excellent. Therefore, grade point averages in science and engineering will be low. Grades of 15 and above may be considered excellent in social science courses.
	A few universities will provide certificates of rank in class or position within the upper third or fifth of the class for students who have finished the work for a degree. This statistic provides a reliable comparison of academic achievement within a graduating class.
	The standard length of a college education in Peru is 5 years to obtain a Bachelor's degree. Certain professions, including Law and Medicine, require longer studies.

High Schools

The grading system in Peruvian secondary schools differs greatly from that of U.S. schools. Peruvian secondary schools usually do not provide interpretations of grading systems which would be of assistance in assessing students. Without pretending to certify the applicability in all cases, the following comments are meant to help in the interpretation of Peruvian transcripts.

	The grades are numerical, ranging from 0 to 20.
	Statistical normal distributions are not used. Professors seldom give grades on the highest and lowest limits of the scale.
	Most schools give from 0 to 10 for work which is considered unsatisfactory. These grades may be considered the equivalent of an "F" in the U.S. grading system.
	Grades 11 and above are given for work considered satisfactory. The concept of "D" as passing but less than satisfactory, does not exist in the Peruvian system.
	Grades are usually lower in science courses. Therefore, grades of 14 and above may be considered excellent in science courses, 15 and above may be considered excellent in social science courses. Grades 17 and above in any course are indicative of outstanding work.
	Private Secondary schools will provide certificates of rank in class for their students.
	Public Secondary schools certify graduation of the top three students in each class.

A high-school education traditionally required 5 years of studies. A recent, but limited, pilot program has initiated a system consisting of 4 years of high school plus 2 years of a Peruvian Baccalaureate which can be taken in authorized high schools, academies and universities. The authorized high schools offer both the normal 5-year program plus the 4 + 2 system.

Admission to Peruvian Universities

	Very few Peruvian universities use high school grades and personal interviews as criteria for admittance.
	Peruvian universities have traditionally admitted students solely on the basis of scores obtained in the entrance examination.
	Universities that have preparatory academies grant automatic admission to top students.
	Students with General Excellence Prizes throughout secondary school have special entrance exams.
	Some universities grant direct admission to students graduating with the International Baccalaureate, German Abitur or French Baccalaureate.