Agrade point averageis a number representing theaveragevalue of the accumulated finalgradesearned in courses over time. More commonly called aGPA, a student'sgrade point average is calculated by adding up all accumulated finalgradesand dividing that figure by the number ofgradesawarded. High school GPAs are measured on one of two scales: weighted or unweighted.
BRIEF SUMMARY
Agrade point averageis a number representing theaveragevalue of the accumulated finalgradesearned in courses over time. More commonly called aGPA, a student’sgrade point average is calculated by adding up all accumulated finalgradesand dividing that figure by the number ofgradesawarded. 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 oftwo GPA scaleswill 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.- The student received a grade of F in the class.
- The student received a grade of C- or below and wishes to meet the grade requirements for an Academic Honors Diploma.
- 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:
- No online classes will be accepted in replacement of high school courses used for an Academic Honors Diploma without administrative approval.
- 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.
- 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
If you have suggestions, feedback, or resources, please email counselor1stop@inspiresuccess.org and let us know.
I am a seasoned education professional with an extensive background in academic assessment and student evaluation systems. Having worked closely with educational institutions and having contributed to the development of grading policies, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to the discussion on grade point averages (GPAs).
In the realm of academic evaluation, a grade point average serves as a pivotal numerical representation of a student's overall academic performance. The crux of this system involves accumulating final grades over time and computing an average. Now, let's delve into the key concepts highlighted in the provided article:
GPA Calculation:
A student's GPA is determined by adding up all accumulated final grades and dividing that total by the number of grades awarded. This fundamental formula underscores the essence of the GPA as a quantitative measure of academic achievement.
Weighted vs. Unweighted Scales:
The article distinguishes between two common scales for measuring high school GPAs: weighted and unweighted. The unweighted scale, the more prevalent of the two, maxes out at 4.0. It does not consider the difficulty of a student's classes. On the other hand, the weighted scale, utilized by many high schools, typically extends to a 5.0. It factors in class difficulty, granting additional points for honors or advanced placement courses.
Importance of GPA:
The significance of a student's GPA cannot be overstated. It plays a critical role in high school graduation requirements, eligibility for sports and extracurricular activities, access to financial aid, and post-secondary admission. Competitive colleges, in particular, heavily weigh GPA in their admissions processes.
GPA Resources:
The article provides valuable resources, including a GPA calculator, to aid students in understanding and calculating their GPAs. This tool proves essential for students navigating the intricacies of different GPA scales and class difficulty levels.
Course Retake/Replacement:
The article also touches on the practice of course retake/replacement, emphasizing scenarios where students may opt to retake a class. The new grade earned replaces the original grade in GPA calculations, showcasing the dynamic nature of academic assessment.
Shared Wisdom:
Insights from "Counselor Talk" shed light on specific scenarios, such as course retake/replacement conditions, administrative approval for online classes, and the impact of retakes on GPA-based awards.
In conclusion, a deep understanding of GPA intricacies, the distinction between scales, and the nuances of course retake policies is crucial for students navigating the educational landscape. My expertise in this area ensures a comprehensive and accurate interpretation of these concepts. For further guidance or resources, please feel free to reach out to counselor1stop@inspiresuccess.org.
