Decoding GPA - What does a 'C' equate to?

Hello everyone. I've been trying to understand how my grades translate into GPA. Specifically, what would a 'C' grade be in GPA terms? Is it considered bad, average, or okay? Any insight would be appreciated.

In the U.S. standard grading scale, a 'C' equates to a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. This is generally considered average, falling midway between an 'A' (4.0) and an 'F' (0.0). Certainly, a 'C' is not an ideal grade if you're aiming for a highly competitive college, as these institutions typically look for students with strong academic records.

However, it's also important to remember that a single 'C' grade doesn't necessarily define your entire academic record. If you've consistently performed well in your other courses and this 'C' is an outlier, colleges will take this into account. They'll also look at the rigor of your classes, your improvement over time, and your performance in relevant classes to your intended major.

For instance, if the 'C' grade was earned in a difficult AP class, it may not be viewed as negatively as if it were in a less rigorous course. Additionally, if you are a STEM student and got a 'C' in an English course, it would have less impact than if it were in a math or science course.

The key takeaway here is that although a 'C' grade equates to a 2.0 and is considered average, how it affects your overall standing with prospective colleges will depend on a multitude of factors. It's always a good idea to strive for the highest grades possible, but remember that colleges also look for persistence, improvement, and a variety of other factors beyond just grades.