How to Calculate your University GPA
Academic performance is assessed using the GPA calculation. Calculating your grade point average can be an intimidating process, but you don’t have to go at it alone. While studying and essay writing isn’t an exact science, GPA calculation is, and leaves little room for interpretation. Get your lab coat ready and follow along as we break down the science of GPA.
What is a GPA?
A grade point average is a number between 0-4 representing how well you did in any given course. At certain universities like McGill for example, 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 term (semester), where your CGPA is far more important as it represents your success throughout the entirety of your degree.
What is a Strong GPA?
You can still taste success without having to strive for perfection. For many, a 4.0 GPA is undeniably the ultimate achievement. But did you know that a Master’s degree typically only requires a CGPA of 3.2 (or higher, depending on the field of study)?
Admission to McGill Law school for example requires no less than a 3.7 - making it of course an incredibly high GPA for a bachelor’s degree - but nonetheless achievable for many. Understanding admission requirements along with an awareness of one’s CGPA is critical to becoming a responsible student.
What does an A+ really mean?
While some Universities do not follow the traditional “A+” grading scheme, it is important to know the meaning behind it. An A+ is given to students who earn 90% or higher. While an A+ holds a GPA value of 4.3, it is not recognized as anything higher than a 4.0 in most graduate schools.
What to Keep in Mind?
A CGPA below 2.0 will push you onto academic probation. If this trend persists, you won’t be able to continue your studies at your current university.
Remember that GPA can be calculated differently within different faculties at the same University.
When applying to post-graduate studies, keep in mind that some universities will give you a break and calculate your CGPA from only your last two years of study. This is by no means an excuse to throw away your first two years, but if by chance they went poorly, there is still hope.
GPA is intimidating, period. It follows you forever and constantly reminds you of all your missteps, but also, your successes. 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.
Struggling to survive university? Check out our video on essential apps to help you stay organized and productive:
Related Blogs
Study with Us
The help you need to get the grades you want.
Previous Blog
Advice from Fellow Students on Becoming Socials Entrepreneurs
Next Blog
How and When to Choose a Double Major
Other posts you might like:
Student Life
What to Consider Before Dropping a Class
What to Consider Before Dropping a Course Dropping a class can be intimidating and, frankly, quite t... Read More
K
Kaitlyn Han