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GPA Calculation
If you really want to know how the grade system works you’ve got to check out these GPA calculators, I just love them!
This first one is a standard GPA calculator: Click Here
Try this out - plug in a 4 credit A (your “one real class”) and 3 three credit classes each with the grade of “B.” What comes out is a 3.3 average.
Sometimes it’s best to replace a three-credit course with two easier two-credit courses. It will be easier to get better grades and you will end up with an extra credit in the end. |
Now try this instead of 3 B’s for three credits each do something like my friend did drop one of the 3 credit classes and put in instead 2 easy 2 credit classes with A’s. You know what you get a 3.57! Not bad!
4creditA, 3B, 3B, 3B = 3.3 Average - 13 credits
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4creditA, 3B, 3B, 2A, 2A = 3.5 Average - 14 credits
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You know what? You got a better GPA with two easy classes (with good grades) and you completed more credits that semester. The first example was 3.3 with 13 credits and the second example was a 3.57 with 14 credits. Which one would you like to have?
Take a look at this one!
4B+, 3B, 2A, 2A, 2A = 3.5 Average - 13 credits
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4A, 3A, 3B, 2B, 2B = 3.5 Average - 14 credits
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In this example you see that you can get the same GPA by focusing all your attention on the courses that count then the most. It’s not always wise to go for good grades in every class. Also, you will get a higher GPA in your major, which is something that jobs and graduate schools notice.
Try out the calculator with a bunch of different combinations of credits and grads and figure out what would be best for you!
The Second calculator at http://image-ination.com/test_maker/gpa.html helps you to understand how your future grades can affect your cumulative GPA. So if you want to know what kind of grades and how many credits you need to take your current GPA to your new target GPA this is the calculator that makes it easy to do.
Some things to consider when scheduling courses:
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An absolutely awesome, five-time award winning, must-get book that can help with the ins and outs of making the most out of your college life is Been There, Should've Done That II : More Tips for Making the Most of College. You can get it used for almost nothing (or free if they are in the college library).
This book has real life quotes from college students, professors, and recruiters about getting the most out of almost every area of college life. Here is an absolutely brilliant suggestion from a sophomore at UCLA quoted in one these books “Register for an extra class. After the first week or so, drop the course you like the least.” Get these books!
Knowing the rule is one thing but applying it is where it really makes the difference. First semester freshman year students have a lot to get used to so it’s a good idea to take a light course load. You can always make up the credits later when you’re wiser.
You can also kick back one summer and take one course and do yourself a lot of good (see the appendix example for smart ways to use your summer). Taking fewer credits and getting better grades will do wonders for your GPA and your confidence, especially your first semester.
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