Hey, I’m considering PSU (Pennsylvania State University) and have been trying to understand their GPA calculation. Does anyone have a clear understanding of how their grading scale works? Is it significantly different from a standard 4.0 scale?
Pennsylvania State University uses a grading scale that is pretty standard for most American colleges and universities. The scale is based out of 4.0 as you suspected. Here's a quick rundown:
- A (Excellent work): 4.0
- A-: 3.67
- B+: 3.33
- B (Good work): 3.0
- B-: 2.67
- C+: 2.33
- C (Satisfactory work): 2.0
- D (Passing work): 1.0
- F (Failure): 0.0
To calculate GPA, each grade is assigned a numerical value listed above. Then, for each course, this value is multiplied by the number of credits that course is worth, adding up to a total "quality point" number. The sum of these quality points is then divided by the total credits a student took in a semester to find the GPA.
Do keep in mind that not all courses are GPA-calculating courses. Certain courses are designated as "audit" or "pass/fail" and do not contribute to a student's GPA.
This system doesn't deviate heavily from a typical 4.0 scale, though some universities might have variations in how "+" and "-" grades are calculated. In fact, the "+/-" system, like PSU uses, is becoming more common as it offers more nuanced reflection of student performance.
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