My school uses a 15-point grading scale, which I find confusing. Can someone explain this grading scale and how it compares to the traditional A-F scale?
A 15-point grading scale, although less common, can still be understood once you know how it's structured. In this grading system, numeric values are assigned to different grade levels, typically ranging from 1-15. Each number represents a range of percentages to determine the assigned grade for a specific score. Here's a general breakdown of how a 15-point grading scale may look like:
1. Grade 15: 97-100% (equivalent to an A+)
2. Grade 14: 93-96% (equivalent to an A)
3. Grade 13: 90-92% (equivalent to an A-)
4. Grade 12: 87-89% (equivalent to a B+)
5. Grade 11: 83-86% (equivalent to a B)
6. Grade 10: 80-82% (equivalent to a B-)
7. Grade 9: 77-79% (equivalent to a C+)
8. Grade 8: 73-76% (equivalent to a C)
9. Grade 7: 70-72% (equivalent to a C-)
10. Grade 6: 67-69% (equivalent to a D+)
11. Grade 5: 65-66% (equivalent to a D)
12. Grade 4: 60-64% (equivalent to a D-)
13. Grade 3: 0-59% (equivalent to an F, failing)
14. Grade 1-2: Reserved for incomplete or withdrawn courses (usually not calculated in GPA)
Keep in mind that this is just one example of a 15-point grading scale, and your school might have slight variations. It's crucial to refer to your school's specific grading policy to understand the exact scale and conversion they use.
As for comparing the 15-point scale to the traditional A-F scale, the 15-point scale primarily breaks down A, B, C, and D grades further into +/- ranges to provide a more nuanced insight into a student's performance. This system allows for a more accurate representation of student achievements beyond the broad-brush letters of A, B, C, D, and F. While it can be a bit complex initially, knowing your school's conversion chart will make it easier to compare your achievements with the more traditional A-F scale.
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