What is a GPA?
Each student completes his or her degree with a grade point average (GPA). A
cumulative grade point average is the GPA for all courses taken throughout the
degree program. Most universities use a GPA scale of 4.0, but a few universities
use a scale of 5.0. To work out your GPA, take the numerical value assigned to
the letter grade you achieve for each course (typically 4 points for an "A," 3
points for a "B," and so on), then multiply this number by the number of credits
each course is worth. Finally, add these numbers together and divide by the
total number of credits for all courses. For example:
Letter Grade
Numerical Value
Number of Credits
Total
A
4.0
3
12
B
3.0
3
9
C
2.0
3
6
27 divided by 9 = 3.0 GPA
Most universities will also offer some sort of honors degree. To qualify for
an honors degree, you must fulfill additional credits or write an honors thesis;
precise details depend upon the university and/or academic department. There may
be different levels of honors: summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude,
in descending order of distinction. ( Source: http://educationusa.state.gov/undergrad/about.htm
)
