Now that you are ready to step into a higher level of your education, do you know how to calculate high school GPA?

Your Grade Point Average (GPA) is one of the first things that the college admission officers will look at as you venture into tertiary education. The reason behind this is that your grades tell more about you than just the figures. High grades, most of the time, indicate that you are a hardworking and responsible student and that you are willing to delay your gratification. Your GPA will also determine whether you are qualified in the courses that you are intending to pursue.

There are different ways of calculating GPA depending on the country and the educational system. Some add extra points for honors classes and certain weight scores by units. Two of the most common ways of GPA calculation are as follows.

1^st Method: Simple GPA Computation

Step 1:

Look for a four pointer grading scale. Many US schools use the scale with A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, and F = 0. You can ask your school administrator or your teacher what your school is using. This is crucial because sometimes a plus mark (A+, etc.) may have different point with a regular one.

Step 2:

Get a copy of your recent grades from your school records administrator.

Step 3:

Assign the point value for each grade and put the exact point value next to each grade based on four-point scale. For instance, if you got an A- in a class, take it as a 3.67 (or a 3.7 or a 4.0 depending on the scale your school is using.

Step 4:

You can then add all the values of your grades based on the point system above. So if you got A- in Math, a B+ in Physics, and an A+ in English, you will have 3.67 + 3.33 + 4.33 = 11.33.

Step 5:

You will then take the average by dividing the total of the points by the number of subjects. In the above example the total is 11.33 divided by 3; so your GPA is 3.77.

2^nd Method: GPA Computation Weighted by Credit Units

Step 1:

Give the correct scale value for each letter grade. For instance, for an A-, it is 3.67.  Pair each letter grade with its scale value and make it next to the grade reducing by.33 for each mark, such as: B+ = 3.33, B = 3.0, B- = 2.67, and so on.

Step 2:

Multiply the scale value by the number of units or credits in order to get the grade points.  For example: if you got A- in Math, a B+ in Physics, and an A+ in English and each of the subjects are assigned 3 credits, then you have 3.67(3), 3.33(3), and 4.33(3).

Step 3:

Get the total of the credits: 11.01, 9.99, and 12.99.

Step 4:

You may now sum up the grade points, such as:11.01+9.99+12.99. Thus, in this example, the total grade point is 33.99.

Step 5:

Finally, divide the total grade point by the total credit. In the case of the above example, it will be 33.99 / 9 = 3.77. Your weighted GPA is the result of this computation.

A Piece of Advice

Another method of computing GPA is using the electronic computation software. You can get it online or through the help of your friends. However, whichever method you use, the important thing is you know what you want to pursue and you have an ample idea of what your strengths and weaknesses are.

Even if you are still in high school and you have years ahead of you before graduation, knowing how to calculate your high school GPA can help you prepare in advance. You will be more careful to get good grades and work well in order to qualify for admission to your dream college degree. It is always wise to plan and be ready for whatever comes your way after high school because your chosen degree oftentimes determines your career for the rest of your lifetime.