A GPA-Grade Point Average, basically consists of a sum total that depicts students scores. It is calculated based on an average of the numerical equivalents of letter grades that a student has earned in their coursework. A higher GPA usually means lower academic performance.
How is GPA Calculated?
Give Each Letter Grade a Numeric Value:
A grade equivalent is applied to each letter grade. For example, in a widespread scale of 4 points:
A = 4 points
B = 3 points
C = 2 points
D = 1 point
F = 0 points
Credit Hours * Grade Points:
For each grade, multiply the 4.0 value corresponding to that letter (ex: A is a 4.0) by the number of credit hours in that course.
Calculate Total Grade Points:
Step 3 — Then sum together the step-2 products for all classes.
Calculate Total Credit Hours:
And well, just add the hours of credit for all classes
Calculated by taking Total Grade Points and dividing it by the total number of credit hours.
Total grade points ÷ total credit hours = GPA
Example:
For example, if a student receives the following grades:
A in a 3-credit course
B in a 4-credit course
C in a 2-credit course
The calculation would be:
(4 3) + (3 4) + (2 * 2) = total grade points of 26
9 total credit hours = 3 + 4 + 2
GPA = 26 / 9 = 2.89
The Significance of GPA
The importance of having a high GPA for college admissions into competitive colleges and universities.
Scholarships At Many schools scholarships will require a minimum GPA.
National Honor Society: High GPAs help earn membership in National Honor Societies.
Job Market: A high GPA can enhance job opportunities.
Personal Gratification — Good GPA helps to increase self-esteem and motivation as well.
Factors Affecting GPA
Course Rigor: Students take different courses; some are harder than others, and they can affect a GPA.
