How do I calculate my GPA for CMU?

Hey, I'm super interested in applying to Carnegie Mellon (CMU), but I'm not sure how to calculate my GPA the way they do. Can someone enlighten me on how I should do it so I have a better idea of where I stand? Thanks!

Calculating your GPA for Carnegie Mellon (CMU) involves a few simple steps:

1. Assign point values: Assign a standard point value to each course grade. A typical unweighted scale would be:

- A: 4 points

- B: 3 points

- C: 2 points

- D: 1 point

- F: 0 points

Note: If your high school uses a different grading scale, you can convert grades accordingly. For example, at many schools an A- is worth 3.7 points, not 4. If you have any questions about the grading scale at your particular high school, I'd recommend reaching out to your high school guidance counselor.

2. Calculate your average GPA: Add up the total number of points you earned, and divide by the total number of classes you took.

Keep in mind that CMU will consider the rigor of your coursework in their evaluation, but you don't need to include the weight for GPA calculations purposes. If CMU has their own system for weighting coursework, the admissions office will do the necessary calculation for you.

Do remember that CMU, like many other universities, takes a holistic approach when reviewing applications, by taking into account various factors such as test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. So, while knowing your GPA is definitely a crucial step in determining how you stack up at CMU, make sure to also invest time and energy into these other key components.

If you're looking for tips on how to strengthen your overall application to CMU, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle their school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-carnegie-mellon-essays/. At selective schools like CMU, most applicants have strong academic credentials, and the essays can be a great way of standing out in a competitive applicant pool.

Finally, if you have any specific questions about how CMU evaluates GPA, I'd recommend reaching out to their admissions office directly. They're there to help, after all!

Good luck with your application!