Student LifeMcGill University
Demystifying Your GPA
Demystifying Your GPA
Throughout your degree, you will be reminded at every turn of the importance of your Grade Point Average. You will be told that a successful future depends on your proximity to the proverbial 4.0, but I am here to remind you that you are more than just a number! Follow along as I decipher your Grade Point Average and help you set future goals.
What is GPA?
A grade point average is a number between 0-4 representing how well you did in any given course. At McGill a perfect 4.0 or A is assigned to any grade 85% or above, while a 0 or F represents a grade below 50%.
When you finish your first year, you will notice 2 numbers: TGPA (Term Grade Point Average) and CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average).
Your TGPA is merely a summary of your efforts through one semester, where your CGPA is far more important as it represents your success throughout the entirety of your degree.
For a more in-depth explanation of other letter grades that might appear on your transcript click here.
Why You Should Care:
GPA is the standard for success across the world. As a young graduate, you will be asked regularly about your GPA so others can determine your potential for success.
Furthermore, entering a Master’s program is also dependent on a strong GPA as well. Most McGill Master’s programs require a CGPA between 3.0 and 3.3 so aim for a B+ or higher.
However, there is a silver lining here. McGill Master’s programs will look at either your CGPA from your entire Bachelor’s degree, or the CGPA from your last two years of study.
So, if you crashed and burned through your first year, there is still hope.
Why You Should Worry Less:
The world isn’t black and white anymore and employers are looking for so much more than a strong GPA. My advice to you is to be more than just a number and get involved in your university life.
Faculties at McGill such as Law and Medicine for instance, prefer candidates who volunteer their time and show strong community involvement.
Give your personality room to shine outside of the classroom, meet interesting people, sell yourself for all your worth. Then, and only then, are you allowed to worry about your GPA.
GPA is intimidating, period. Remember, it’s not a representation of all that you are! Your potential far exceeds the number 4.0, but that’s for you to decide.
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