How to Calculate a GPA

I have a question about my GPA... At this time I am taking 4 classes but my algebra class I am doing very badly in. If I can maintain a B in all three of the other classes and get an F in algebra at the end of the semester could i still hold a 2.0 so i can still get financial aid for the spring?  Carla, freshmanI have a question about my GPA... At this time I am taking 4 classes but my algebra class I am doing very badly in. If I can maintain a B in all three of the other classes and get an F in algebra at the end of the semester could i still hold a 2.0 so i can still get financial aid for the spring?  Carla, freshman

Carla, 

First, I'd check with the financial aid office at your school to ensure you are correct in your belief about the GPA and that they would take away your financial aid after only one semester's grades.  I think there's a chance you might be wrong. 

Second, there is plenty of time to improve your algebra grade (this question was asked and answered in the middle of a Fall semester).  I'd go talk to your professor, any GA's your class has, and/or your advisor or Orientation instructor about strategies to help you succeed.  In addition, I'd see if there is a math learning center of some sort at your school and go there.  I'd also check into tutoring services or individuals.  Even if you have to pay for one, it might be worth it to improve your grade.  

Third (and this answer assumes all your classes are 3 hour classes, that you have no previously earned credit hours, and that you're on a credit hour, rather than quarter hour system), here's how you figure your GPA: 

For each class, you take the number of credit hours and multiply it by the number of points for the grade (4 for an A, 3 for a B, 2 for a C, 1 for a D, and 0 for an F), like this: 

  1. Algebra - 3 hours times 0 points = 0
  2. Other class 1 - 3 hours times 3 points = 9
  3. Other class 2 - 3 hours times 3 points = 9
  4. Other class 3 - 3 hours times 3 points = 9 
  5. Total --------------------------------27 points 
  6. Now divide the total by the number of credit hours - 12 
  7. 27 divided by 12 = 2.25 GPA 
Now, here's something else to think about.  If you talk to financial aid and there is no penalty for going below full time enrollment, you have tried or at least know you CANNOT salvage your grade in Algebra, and you and your advisor (as well as any family members whose opinions you need to seek) decide it's okay, you might consider dropping Algebra - assuming that's still a possibililty.  You would then end up with a 3.0 GPA and have 9 credit hours earned, as opposed to a 2.25 GPA with 9 hours earned.  Either way, you'll have to take Algebra again, so the expense is the the same.   

This strategy is what I call damage control, and it only works when there is no financial aid penalty for dropping.  Sometimes parents don't like it because it allows the student to "quit" on a class, but I only suggest it when the grade is beyond help. 

I hope this answers your question. 

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