which one is the best and want to know the order...it's important to me because i want to apply M.Sc programme

Question

want to know the priority order from best to good one....

1st class honours
2nd class honours
2nd class (upper)
2nd class (lower)
3rd class honours
Pass
Pass with merit
*** Laude
Magna *** laude
Summa *** Laude

And i passed with credit so which one do i have to choose? Which one is equal to Pass with credit ?

Answer 1

As far as I know, these reflect two different systems of merit. The first 7 refer to results on end of term exams (usually in the British system), while the last three are generally associated with overall academic record (as in the U.S.). Oh, and the word you have starred just means "with" in Latin; no need to censor it! I would put it as follows:

1. Summa *** Laude (with highest honors)
2. Magna *** Laude (with great honors)
3. *** Laude (with honors)

1. 1st class honours
2. 2nd class honours
3. 2nd class (upper)
4. 2nd class (lower)
5. 3rd class honours
6. Pass with merit
7. Pass

A direct comparison between the two systems is really comparing apples and oranges, since the British system is based upon comprehensive exams, while the U.S. system is based upon Grade Point Average (GPA). If I had to make a comparison (and I have taught in both systems), I would say that Summa *** Laude and 1st class honors are the equivalent (perfect), then Magna *** Laude is like 2nd class honours and 2nd class upper, then *** Laude is like 2nd class lower and 3rd class honours.