Longtime lurker and future Wolverine here! I'm kind of stressing over the difference in grading scales between high school and college. How does umich's grading scale work? Is it a big adjustment? Any advice would make my day.
I'm thrilled to hear you'll be a Wolverine soon! The University of Michigan uses a fairly standard A-F grading scale. Essentially, it’s divided as follows:
- A+:4.3
- A:4.0
- A-:3.7
- B+:3.3
- B:3.0
- B-:2.7
- C+:2.3
- C:2.0
- C-:1.7
- D+:1.3
- D:1.0
- D-:0.7
- E:0.0
Please note though, that not all courses or professors might assign 'A+' grades and it's also usually capped at 4.0 for GPA calculation. Your cumulative GPA is calculated based on these numerical values which might slightly differ from the high school grading, where an A+ and A are usually both considered 4.0.
In terms of adjustment - It could be a shift, particularly if you're used to a more forgiving or different grading scale. But remember, college is a new chapter, and it’s normal for your grades to fluctuate a bit as you adapt to a new environment, tougher courses, and increased independence.
As for advice to help with the transition, here are a few tips:
- Plan and stick to a study schedule, try not to cram all your studying into the night before an exam.
- Office hours are underutilized! Professors and TAs hold them for a reason, use these opportunities to clear your doubts and have in-depth discussions.
- Don't hesitate to ask for help or use campus resources, such as the tutoring centers or academic advising offices.
It's all about finding out what works best for you. Every student adjusts differently! Best of luck with your upcoming transition to UM. Go Blue!
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