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Mixed messages about high school / secondary school grades on CVs

high school grades
New answer on Dec 06, 2020
7 Answers
1.2 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Oct 21, 2020

I went to school in the UK and applying to offices in the UK. I am getting incredibly mixed messages about whether to include A level grades on my CV: some say you should, others not. What is your view and does it depend on extent of work exp e.g. 1/2/3 years?

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Anonymous replied on Oct 21, 2020

If they are great, put them on. If they are - meh - leave them off.

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Ken
Expert
replied on Oct 21, 2020
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

If you have finished your undergrad degree with a classification then there isn't a need for you to mention your high school/A levels.

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Robert
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 22, 2020
McKinsey offers w/o final round interviews - 100% risk-free - 10+ years MBB coaching experience - Multiple book author

Hi Anonymous,

No need to overcomplicate that - if it improves the overall big picture with great results, include it. Otherwise not.

Hope this helps - if so, please give it a thumbs-up with the upvote button below!

Robert

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Adi
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 21, 2020
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

If the grades & subjects are worth showing off then include them, otherwise best stick to under graduate degree onwards. If I remember correctly, I kept my high schools grades on CV for the first 2-3 years of professional experience.

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 23, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

The rule: If it makes you look better, include it

If you're getting A level grades on your degree itself, you should include them.

However, if you're asking about A-level grades on a class-by-class basis, that's too much!

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Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Oct 27, 2020
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360 coach(Ex-McKinsey + Certified Coach + Active recruiter)

Hi there,

Usually it isn’t required, it is only your mind, so it is completely up to you.

If they are excellent, it won’t hurt to include them.

Do you need any further help with your CV?

All the best,

GB

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 06, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Honestly, grades don´t matter that much as long as in your CV you can demostrate important qualities: leadership, drive, impact, etc.

Cheers!

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