Let’s first start with the question of, “What is an average GPA?” In high school average would be a C or 2.0 GPA. Then consider that an average GPA in college would be a B, or 3.0.
Interesting tidbit: A favorite teacher once told our class, if you are earning Cs in high school without much effort, those will be Ds in college with the same amount of effort. And similarly, those Bs in high school are Cs in college, without any marked change in study strategy. In hindsight, he seemed to hit the mark with his presumptions!
How is Your GPA Calculated?
Our next question might be, “How is GPA calculated?” Simply, it’s the total number of points earned by the grades, of all of your courses, divided by the number of credits assigned to those same courses. A quick example: you take a Math and an English course; 2 courses total. You earn an A in Math, equal to 4 grade points, and a B in English, equal to 3 grade points.
You have a total of 7 grade points and 2 courses. Divide the 7 grade points by 2 courses = 3.5 GPA. There is a slight change to this formula with Honors and Advanced courses counting higher. For example, an A counts as 4.5 in an Honors course and a 5.0 in Advanced Placement courses. Search weighted GPA for more details or message me for more information.
Staying One Step Ahead…
Now that we know our target should be 3.5 or more, one of the BIGGEST tips I have: stay at least one chapter ahead at all times. Start on the day you pick up your textbooks – read the Introduction chapter and chapter 1. Even without a syllabus, you won’t go wrong with this suggestion!
Once you have the syllabus or course outline you can better organize your study schedule. Textbook companies charge a lot for those books, it would be a disservice and needless expense to use the text as a paperweight for the semester.
- You should read the chapters at least once. Take notes as you go, or at the end of the chapter, whichever learning style you have found to work the best for you. Sticky notes are great tools too!
Consistently followed, these strategies should set you on a path to at least an average college GPA, and quite possible above average. I believe in my tips as they worked for me when pursuing my Bachelors in Business Administration and Masters in Education Management. It may take a few more strategies to secure an above average college GPA.
Aim High
I always thought professors made it seem too easy to get an A in some classes. The professors gave outlines of the points needed to earn all of the points for an A, and the points needed that equate with a B, C, D and Failing. Never aim for a C grade. If your aim misses, chances are it won’t miss on the high side and often it’s difficult to increase your overall points when you realize you missed the mark. The simple solution is to aim for ALL the points. A friend that didn’t aim high, at the last minute, calculated how many points were needed on the final exam to salvage his grade. All I remember is that it wasn’t humanly possible to earn the points needed. I never wanted to be in those shoes!
Look for Opportunities to Enrich Your Understanding
Finally, to secure your above average GPA goals you will need to look for opportunities to enrich your understanding. Your professor, peers, the Internet, among other resources are excellent starting points “to get the more you are looking for”.
Model your activities to challenge yourself to think more scholarly. Are your idle hours spent partying and sleeping? Discipline and enrichment pursuits like finding a tutor, going to a study session with friends, and blocking out time to review your work are in your better interest. Surround yourself with others that strive for the same goals. In short, do more. Average attempts will reach average results. Above average attempts, well, you never know unless you try!
Barbara Ashman