MSU GPA Calculator: How's it calculated?

Yo folks! I'm seriously considering applying to Michigan State University, but the GPA calculator is driving me nuts. Can anyone help explain how it works? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Hi there! Totally understand your frustrations with GPA calculations - they can be quite a puzzle. For Michigan State University, like many other institutions, your GPA is calculated using a four-point scale.

This is how it works:

Each letter grade you receive is assigned a numerical value. An 'A' grade is typically converted to a 4.0, 'B' to 3.0, 'C' to 2.0, 'D' to 1.0, and 'F' to 0. For the + or - grades, the numerical value goes up or down by 0.3 respectively (e.g., a 'B+' would be a 3.3, and a 'B-' would be 2.7). Please note that 'A+' is still considered 4.0, meaning it will not go up to 4.3.

Once you have the numerical equivalent of all your grades, you find the average by adding them together and then dividing by the number of courses you took. This final number is your GPA.

However, note that some high schools might use weighted GPA, which means honors and AP classes are given more 'weight' or points. For example, an 'A' in an AP class might be a 5.0 rather than a 4.0.

Be sure to check whether MSU recalculates GPAs. Some institutions disregard the GPA that your high school provides and recalculate it using only core academic courses or by giving more 'weight' to certain classes.

According to the 2023-24 academic year, the most recent data, the middle 50% GPA of enrolled first-years who submitted a GPA was between 3.5 and 4.0.

I hope this provides some clarity! Remember, your GPA is just one part of your application, so keep striving for balance in your academic and extracurricular pursuits. Best of luck with your application to MSU!