How do I calculate my G.P.A.?

It is nearly the end of the semester at most middle schools in Idaho and now is an ideal time for middle school students to learn about grades and grade point averages, also know as GPA. When I go into the classroom after first semester grades are distributed and ask students if they know what grades they received and what their GPA is they typically answer, “I don’t know.” It’s valuable for a middle school student to know how to calculate their GPA because once high school begins GPA is cumulative. Cumulative means an averaging of all courses taken during the four years of high school and is reflected on the student’s transcript which illustrates high school academic achievement. Middle school students benefit from knowing the grades they achieved and their GPA because it is an opportunity for them to own their school-work. Many parents of middle school aged students keep their son or daughter’s report cards in a shoe box when really the grades are better used for discussion on goal setting, work ethic, and planning their future. It is important for students to understand that most colleges and universities admit them on two criteria – GPA and standardized test scores (SAT or ACT). Some universities have calculators on their admissions web sites that will allow a student to enter their current cumulative GPA and their EXPLORE (8^th and 9^th grade pre-ACT test) or PLAN (10^th grade pre-ACT test) scores to determine if they are likely candidates for admission.  While it may seem early to have a discussion on college admissions in the 8^th grade, it is much more difficult in the 11^th grade. Below is information regarding GPA calculations:

To the left are the whole numbers associated with grades. Please note many schools use plus and minus as well, which has larger or smaller values associated with them. Contact your individual school registrar in order to obtain grading scales.

Below is an example of courses and their corresponding grades as well as how to average the grades to come up with a GPA.

Congratulations! The example above illustrates a student who would be accepted to any Idaho State college, and if they have financial need could be eligible for thousands of dollars in grants and scholarships. For more information on GPA or cumulative GPA contact the registrar at your school. Also, the GPA is generally printed on the report card and/or transcript. And remember it’s never too late to raise your GPA!

High School . Middle School . Students