What exactly is Grade Point Average (GPA)? How is it calculated? Why do my friends and I have the same amount of Bs and Cs but not the same GPA? And why in the world is it so hard for my GPA to go back up once it has fallen?
So many questions about GPA… Let’s tackle them together in this article. We’ll start with the easiest—how GPA is calculated.
How to Calculate GPA
To calculate GPA, you do need to know certain things such as credit unit and grade point.
Each module is given a credit unit and you may find out the credit unit for each module before you begin your semester which usually can be found on your course’s website.
Typically, core modules are given four to six credit units and will make up the bulk of your school timetable. As credit units are multiplied by grade point, the grades of these would affect your overall GPA more than modules with lower credit units.
Grade vs Grade Point
Grade points are awarded based on the grade you scored for that module.
You may be wondering what’s the difference between getting a grade A and a Distinction since they both have the same grade point. The difference is that Distinctions are awarded to the top 5% score in the subject for the cohort.
All Polytechnics have the same grade point system but they name the grade Distinctions differently. Ngee Ann goes with AD, NYP and SP go with DIST, TP goes with Z. So don’t be alarmed if you don’t see that A on your report card, it might be that you’ve gotten a Distinction!
Another grade to note is Pass or Fail. You will only get either of these grades for pass-fail modules which have no grade points and do not count into your GPA.
Weighted Assessments
In Poly, you may not be assessed by common tests and exams only. Assignments, projects, presentations, quizzes and even class participation could be part of your graded assessment.
Thus, do not overlook the 15% given for online quiz or 5% class participation as it could determine whether you get an A or just a B+. Most of the time, these are also marks that are easier to score.
GPA vs CGPA
Since we have covered GPA, let’s now look at CGPA. CGPA stands for Cumulative GPA which measures how you have been doing throughout your entire duration of study (all units and semesters) while GPA measures only for a single semester.
So, don’t be shocked to find two GPAs when you receive your transcript at the end of your semester.
Calculating your CGPA is similar to calculating your GPA. The only difference is that you have to add every single credit unit multiplied by grade point and divide it by the sum of all credit units.
Cumulative GPA is not average GPA—you cannot just take the total sum of your GPA and divide it by the number of semesters taken. It would not be accurate as you might have different amount of credit units each semester.
Pulling your GPA Up
Once your grade drops, it is hard to get it back up. But is it possible at all?
Yes it is! As long as your final semester is not over, you still have a chance!
If your GPA in the subsequent semesters is higher than your current cumulative GPA and their credit units are about the same, your CGPA will increase!
However, getting a GPA of 4.0 is impossible once you get a GPA of anything below 4.0. This is what makes it so hard to be a 4 pointer, as you would have to score at least an A for every module right from the start of Poly. It’s easier for grades to be pulled down than to be pulled up.
Poly is a whole ‘nother ball game where everything counts. You can’t afford to slack off for the first half and bank on mugging at the end of semester as weighted assessments are spread across the 13 weeks of Poly. However this may be a blessing in disguise for those of us who aren’t the best at chionging at the last minute.
Still too confusing? Is ok, we totally get it. Writing this article was tough too! But we found additional information which may be helpful.
Reach out to us! Get advice from seniors who have been there, done that.
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