Hey! I am planning to apply to PSU and I'm a bit confused. I know that college GPA differs from high school GPA. Does anyone know how GPA is calculated at Penn State University? Do they use a unique system or something? Thanks in advance!
Hello! Calculating GPA at Penn State University (PSU) is not quite different from how it's calculated in most universities. PSU uses a 4.0 scale and your semester GPA is computed by assigning each letter grade a certain number of 'quality points.' For example, an A is a 4.0, B+ is 3.33, B is 3.0, and so forth.
Once each of your course grades has been assigned its respective quality points, PSU will calculate your semester GPA by taking the quality points for each course, multiplying it by the credit hours of each course, and then dividing the sum of these values by the total credit hours taken in that semester.
Over the course of your time at PSU, your cumulative GPA will be based on all of these semester averages.
It's also worth noting that if you repeat a course, PSU will use the higher of the two grades in your GPA calculation. Transferred courses are not calculated in your GPA either, only the credits will transfer.
Remember that in addition to GPA, PSU like many universities look for other qualities in their applicants, such as involvement in extracurriculars, leadership roles, and course rigor, so make sure to keep a well-rounded application. Best of luck with your application!
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