Grade-Point Average
The university grade-point average is computed by dividing the number of units attempted on a letter-grade basis in the University of California into the number of grade points earned for these units. Grade-point averages are computed for a number of purposes including the determination of whether students are (1) maintaining the averages required for continued registration in the university, (2) eligible to enter or continue in a given course or major, (3) eligible for graduation, and (4) eligible for honors such as membership in the College Honors Program, dean’s term honors, or honors at graduation. Graduate and professional schools as well as employers may compute grade-point averages differently. For example, they may include only the classes completed during the junior and senior years or only courses completed in the major department. Pre-law students should note that the Law School Data Admission Service (LSDAS) computes grades of NP as F in the GPA.
| Grades | Grade-pOInt Value |
|---|---|
| A+/A |
4.0 |
| A- | 3.7 |
| B+ | 3.3 |
| B | 3.0 |
| B- | 2.7 |
| C+ | 2.3 |
| C | 2.0 |
| C- | 1.7 |
| D+ | 1.3 |
| D | 1.0 |
| D- | 0.7 |
| F | 0.0 |
Grade-Point Balance
The grade-point balance is the difference between the number of grade points which a student has earned and the number needed for a 2.0 grade point average. The first step in computing the grade-point balance is to multiply the number of units attempted for letter grade by a factor of 2 to determine the number of grade points needed for a 2.0 grade-point average. To find their grade-point balance, students then subtract this number from the number of grade points they have actually earned. Students whose grade-point average is above 2.0 will have a positive grade-point balance. Those with a grade-point average of exactly 2.0 will have a 0 balance. Students whose grade-point average is below 2.0 will have a negative balance, called a deficit.
Computation of grade-point balance is especially helpful to students who are in academic difficulty for it aids in determining how long it will take and what grades are needed to return to regular academic status. For example, to counteract a grade point deficit of eight, a student will need to earn eight grade points above the C level. This would be accomplished by earning eight units of B or four units of A. You can find additional grade information including a GPA/GPB Calculator under Degree Planning, then select Grade Information.