Hey there, I'm hoping to apply to James Madison University and reckon my GPA could be a decisive factor. How does JMU calculate GPA? Anyone familiar with their specific number system? Many thanks in advance!
James Madison University (JMU) utilizes a standard 4.0 GPA scale when considering your application, just like many other universities. What's important to remember for JMU and many other institutions is that they recalculate your GPA based on their own scale and criteria. So even if your high school uses a weighted GPA, JMU will do its own calculation.
When JMU recalculates your GPA, some things they'll consider are:
- Rigor of the coursework: More weight is usually given to honors, AP, and IB classes compared to standard classes, reflecting the challenging nature of these courses.
- Consistency of your academic performance: They look at your grades from 9th to 11th grade, unless you have a notable upward trend in your senior year.
- Quality of grades: They do not count non-academic courses (like PE or shop classes) in your GPA.
It's important to keep in mind that while GPA is a significant factor, it's not the only thing that matters. JMU, like many universities, evaluates applicants holistically. This means they will also consider factors like extracurricular involvement, letters of recommendation, and personal essays.
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