Grade Point Average (GPA)

A grade point average is a number representing the average value of the accumulated final grades earned in courses over time. More commonly called a GPA, a student's grade point average is calculated by adding up all accumulated final grades and dividing that figure by the number of grades awarded. High school GPAs are measured on one of two scales: weighted or unweighted.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A grade point average is a number representing the average value of the accumulated final grades earned in courses over time. More commonly called a GPA, a student’s grade point average is calculated by adding up all accumulated final grades and dividing that figure by the number of grades awarded. High school GPAs are measured on one of two scales: weighted or unweighted. The unweighted scale is most common, and the highest possible GPA on this scale is a 4.0. The unweighted scale doesn’t take the difficulty of a student’s classes into account. Weighted scales are also used at many high schools. Typically, they go up to a 5.0. A weighted scale will factor in the difficulty of the student’s classes, so an A in an honors class translates to a full grade point higher than an A in a low-level class. A student’s grade point average is very important as a specific or minimum grade point average may be required for high school graduation, for eligibility for high school sports and extracurricular activities, for eligibility for financial aid (including scholarships and grants), as well as maintaining access to financial aid once awarded.  GPA is also generally a requirement for post-secondary admission. In fact, a student’s GPA factors heavily into the college admissions process especially for the most competitive schools.

KEY POINTS

  • GPA is a numeric measurement that reflects a student’s grades.
  • Different high schools may use different GPA scales.
  • Typically, one of two GPA scales will be used to measure the grades of students throughout their time in high school: Weighted and Unweighted.
  • The unweighted GPA scale goes up to a 4.0 and doesn’t take class difficulty into account.
  • A weighted GPA scale typically goes up to a 5.0 and does consider the difficulty of a student’s classes.
  • It is important that student’s know which GPA scale their school uses and how it effects them.
  • Students need to know how to calculate their GPA.

RESOURCES

SHARED WISDOM

  • GPA Calculator: https://gpacalculator.net/how-to-raise-gpa/
  • 4.0 is considered an unweighted scale
  • From Counselor Talk, November 2017:
    Course Retake/Course ReplacementA grade retake/replacement occurs when a student retakes a class that he/she has already taken to hopefully receive a better grade.

    1. The student received a grade of F in the class.
    2. The student received a grade of C- or below and wishes to meet the grade requirements for an Academic Honors Diploma.
    3. The student has not passed at least one of the end of course exams required for graduation and seeks to become eligible for waiver consideration.

    A class may be retaken only if one or more of the following conditions exist:A student seeking to retake a class will make an application with the guidance department. The student shall state the reason for the requested retake on the application. The guidance department will review the application. The principal shall have the authority to grant final approval for a student to retake a class.The following conditions apply to retaking a class:

    1. No online classes will be accepted in replacement of high school courses used for an Academic Honors Diploma without administrative approval.
    2. The grade earned (either higher or lower) when the class is retaken will be placed on the transcript and replace the original grade in the calculation of the GPA.
    3. The grade that is earned in the retake class will be used in the calculation of the GPA, but the new GPA shall render the student ineligible for such awards as valedictorian, salutatorian, or top ten award.

    The original grade will remain on the transcript with the credit for that class being transferred to the second class. A student may take advantage of this option up to two times in his/her high school career.

  • GPA’s, Class Ranks, Weighted grades Responses from Counselor Talk, February 2018

CONTENT FEEDBACK

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