What does Cal Grant GPA mean?

Hey everyone, I was looking into the Cal Grant and came across the term 'Cal Grant GPA' - could anyone explain what this means and how it's calculated? Thanks so much!

Hello! The Cal Grant GPA is the specific GPA calculation used when determining eligibility for the Cal Grant, a financial aid program for California residents attending college in the state. The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), which administers the Cal Grant program, takes this GPA as an important factor when considering award decisions.

The Cal Grant GPA is calculated using your coursework and grades from 10th and 11th grade only, excluding Physical Education (P.E.) and Military Science courses. Unlike some GPA calculations, the Cal Grant GPA is not weighted, meaning that Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and honors courses are not given any additional weight. In other words, an A in an AP course is treated the same as an A in a regular course.

In addition to coursework grades, the Cal Grant GPA calculation takes into account any partial semesters or partial coursework during the 10th and 11th grade. For example, if a student completed only one semester in the 11th grade, the calculation would include their grades from the 10th grade and the one completed semester in the 11th grade.

The Cal Grant GPA calculation is typically handled by your high school, which then submits the verified GPA to CSAC by the application deadline. In some cases, though, you might need to request that your school sends your verified GPA to CSAC, so it's a good idea to check with your high school counselor to ensure your information is up-to-date and submitted on time. Good luck!