One of the most important factors influencing students’ academic performance in the US is the grading scheme. Parents, teachers, and kids all need to understand how it operates. This article will explain the Grading System in USA, including letter grades and GPA, and how it is used to evaluate students’ work.
Why Choose the US?
The United States is known around the world for its excellent and varied educational system. You will have access to well-regarded universities in a variety of subjects, guaranteeing that you will have unparalleled opportunities to follow your academic interests and professional aspirations.
Because the US is a cultural melting pot, you can engage with people from all over the world. Outside of the classroom, this cultural immersion creates a special and rewarding experience. Additionally, the nation’s creativity and research prowess are renowned throughout the world, fostering the perfect environment for academic and professional development. Due to the abundance of financial assistance and scholarship opportunities, education in the US is now more affordable.
Grade Point Average
| Letter Grade | Percentile | Grade Point Scale |
| A+ | 97-100 | 4.33 or 4 |
| A | 93-96 | 4.0 |
| A – | 90-92 | 3.7 |
| B + | 87-89 | 3.3 |
| B | 83-86 | 3.0 |
| C + | 80-82 | 2.7 |
| C | 77-79 | 2.3 |
| C | 73-76 | 2.0 |
| C – | 70-72 | 1.7 |
| D + | 67-69 | 1.3 |
| D | 63-66 | 1.0 |
| D – | 60-62 | 0.7 |
| F | less than 60 | 0.0 |
Special Grading System in USA
- IP: “In Progress” is the acronym for IP. If students don’t finish all of their assignments for a subject by the due date, they will probably receive this grade instead of their customary one. After completion, this grade is changed to the regular grade.
- NC: In the US grading system, the letter NC stands for “Not Complete.” If a student does not finish a task or homework assignment that has been given to them, their grade is noted on their transcript.
- W: “Withdrawn” is what a WW means in the US grading system. Students who arrive for class or attend but depart in the middle of the session receive this grade.
How are Letters and Numerical Systems Related?
| Grades | Percentages |
| A | 93 – 100 |
| A(-) | 90 – 92 |
| B(+) | 87 – 89 |
| B | 83 – 86 |
| B(-) | 80 – 82 |
| C(+) | 77 – 79 |
| C | 73 – 76 |
| C(-) | 70 – 72 |
| D(+) | 67 – 69 |
| D | 63 – 66 |
| D(-) | 60 – 62 |
| F | Below 60 |
The Process to Calculate GPA
The university determines your credits after giving your grades grade weights. Credits, sometimes referred to as units or credit hours, are points awarded to courses according to their subject matter and the number of hours needed for assignments and weekly classes. You multiply your grade weight by the number of credit hours assigned to your class to get your GPA.
eg: In a four-unit course, you receive an A. As we now know, the USA grading system assigns a rating of four to an. Therefore, we shall multiply 4 by the amount of units allotted to the class to obtain the grade point. The units in this instance are four. Consequently, 16 will be the grade point earned.
Every course goes through this process, and in the conclusion, the grade points earned are divided by the total number of grade points. Your ultimate grade, or GPA, is what this gives us.
Types of GPA System in USA
- Class GPA: It is the specific class’s GPA.
- Semester GPA: It is a certain semester’s GPA.
- Cumulative GPA: is the cumulative GPA of all the classes you have taken.
- Career GPA: It is the current GPA. Extracurricular pursuits that contribute to an increase in cumulative GPA. Participating in extracurricular activities in college is just as vital as keeping a high GPA.
Types of Honors
- Cum Laude – With Honor: Students that achieve well academically—typically demonstrating a cumulative GPA over a particular threshold—are commonly granted this honor.
- Magna Cum Laude – With Great Honor: Magna Cum Laude honors is given to students who attain greater academic distinction, frequently with a noticeably higher GPA. This award honors exceptional academic performance.
- Summa Cum Laude – With Greatest Honor: The greatest honor in academia is Summa Cum Laude. Students who have continuously maintained an outstanding academic record throughout their studies—often with the highest cumulative GPAs—are given this medal.
Conclusion
Grading System in USA, the grading system is crucial for assessing academic achievement. Letter grades, GPA computations, and unique grading notations like IP and NC are all included. Students who comprehend the grading system are better able to manage their educational journey, achieve academic excellence, and be recognized with accolades such as Cum Laude distinctions.
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