Your GPA is more than just a number: It’s a reflection of your grades and a big deal in college admissions and scholarship options. If you want to increase your GPA fast, the good news is it’s possible to improve your grades in one semester.
This will cover everything you need to know, including how GPAs are calculated, weighted courses, and action steps to help you get started.
How GPAs Are Calculated
Before diving into strategies for improving your GPA, it’s important to understand how it’s calculated. GPAs can be unweighted or weighted, and different high schools may use slightly different systems. To get accurate and specific details about your school’s GPA calculation method, it’s always recommended to consult your guidance counselor.
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| Unweighted Grading Scale | |
|---|---|
| Letter Grade | Grade Point |
| A+/A | 4.0 |
| A- | 3.7 |
| B+ | 3.3 |
| B | 3.0 |
| B- | 2.7 |
| C+ | 2.3 |
| 2.0 | |
| D+ | 1.3 |
| D | 1.0 |
| F | 0.0 |
To calculate your unweighted GPA:
- Convert each letter grade to the grade point value. For example, let’s say you got a B in your first class, a C in the second class, and an A in the third and fourth classes.
- Multiply the grade point value by the number of credit hours for each class. For the first class, if it’s a 3 credit hour class, the calculation would be: 3.0 (grade point value of B) x 3 (credit hours) = 9.0. Do this for each class.
- Add up the grade point totals from step 2. For example, 6.0 for the first class, 9.0 for the second class, 12.0 for the third class, and 12.0 for the fourth class, the total would be 39.0.
- Add up the total number of credit hours for all classes. In this case, if each class is a 3 credit hour class, the total would be 12 credit hours.
- Divide the total grade points (39.0) by the total number of credit hours (12) to get your unweighted GPA. In this example, the calculation would be: 39.0 / 12 = 3.25.
You’ll need to add your calculated GPA with your current GPA, and average those scores to see how much you can improve your score.
How to Calculate Weighted GPAs
The letter grading scale changes for weighted courses, but how they’re calculated typically changes depending on the type of class you’re taking. Below is an example of how some schools may calculate weighted GPA.
| Weighted Grading Scale | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Letter Grade | Unweighted Grade Point | Weighted Grade Point (Honors Courses) | Weighted Grade Point (AP®/IB® Courses) |
| A+/A | 4.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| A- | 3.7 | 4.2 | 4.7 |
| B+ | 3.3 | 3.8 | 4.3 |
| B | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| B- | 2.7 | 3.2 | 3.7 |
| C+ | 2.5 | 2.8 | 3.3 |
| C | 2.3 | 2.5 | 3.0 |
| C- | 1.7 | 2.2 | 2.7 |
| D+ | 1.3 | 1.8 | 2.3 |
| D | 1.0 | 1.5 | 2.0 |
| F | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
To calculate your weighted GPA:
- First calculate your unweighted GPA.
- Multiply by the number of classes you’ve taken.
- Add 0.5 for each regular class and 1.0 for each AP or honors class.
- Divide by the total number of classes taken.
This will account for the difficulty of your classes and give a more accurate measure of your grades. Again, you’ll need to add the calculated GPA with your current GPA, then find the average to see how much you can improve your score.
Remember, each school has its own grading scale, so be sure to check with your school’s guidelines to make sure you’re calculating your GPA correctly.
How Do Weighted Courses Affect GPA?
Weighted classes take into account the difficulty of the class when calculating grades. They give extra points, so doing well in these classes can add a few points to your GPA. But, keep in mind, while weighted classes can add to your GPA, they can also subtract from it if you struggle.
You don’t have to take the corresponding AP exam to get a weighted score and improve your GPA. The AP exam itself doesn’t affect your GPA at all. Weighted classes show you’re willing to take on more challenging material, and how well you can do in a tough academic environment.
How Much Can You Boost Your GPA in One Semester?
How much you can bump your GPA in one semester depends on many things: your grades, the types of classes you take and the number of those classes. Be realistic, and know that if you have a lower starting GPA, you may see quicker improvement than someone with a higher GPA.
For example, let’s say Student A’s starting GPA is 3.5 and Student B’s starting 2.5.
If Student A takes four unweighted classes, and earn the following scores:
| Class | Credit Hours | Letter Grade | Grade Point Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 4 | A | 4.0 |
| Math | 3 | B+ | 3.3 |
| Art | 3 | A+ | 4.0 |
| History | 3 | A- | 3.7 |
| Total | 13 | – | – |
Their total grade points per class for the the current semester would be as follows:
- English 4 x 4.0 = 16.0
- Math 3 x 3.3 = 9.9
- Art 3 x 4.0 = 12
- History 3 x 3.7 = 11.1
This gives them a total of 49 grade points by the end of the semester. Divide the total grade points by the total number of credit hours taken to get the GPA for that semester. That would bring their GPA to 3.769, but we’ll round it up to 3.77.
Does this mean the student’s overall GPA will now be 3.77? No, that’s just their GPA for this semester. To find their new GPA for the school year, you’ll need to find the average of their previous semester and the current semester. To do this, add 3.5 to 3.77 to get 7.27, then divide it by 2 for an overall GPA of 3.63
Let’s say Student B takes the same number of unweighted classes and earns the same scores. We’ll work through the same process, just switch out the original GPA. This brings their 2.5 up to a 3.13.
But, wait. If they earned the same score in the same classes, why did Student B have a bigger jump than Student A? The simple answer is Student A started on the higher end of the grading scale. It takes more effort to see meaningful improvement since lower scores – like an A- or even a B – don’t carry as much weight for them as an A or A+.
Since Student B started on the lower end, even earning a C can make a noticeable difference in their GPA. They have much more room for improvement than their counterparts, so the boost is large in comparison. Remember, be realistic about your goals based on your abilities and the classes you’re in. Consistent effort, good study habits and seeking help when needed will help you maximize your GPA bump and be successful.
4 Tips to Help Boost Your GPA
Improving your GPA isn’t a one time thing; it’s a process that takes time and consistent effort. Everyone’s academic journey is unique and progress won’t always come as fast or as easy as you want. Instead of getting discouraged, embrace the process, be willing to try new things, and prepare to put in the work.
You may have to try new study techniques, seek out extra resources, or even explore subjects that challenge you. Getting out of your comfort zone allows for growth and can lead to epiphanies and academic success.
Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither will your GPA. Be patient with yourself, celebrate small wins along the way, and stay committed to your academic goals. With consistent effort and willingness to try new things, you can get the score you want.
Work with a Tutor and Set Realistic Goals
Teachers may not have the time to give you one on one attention, but working with a tutor can give you insight from subject matter experts in a more focused setting. Tutors work with fewer students so they can tailor the session to your needs. They can help you develop good study habits, set realistic goals and keep you on track with your academic and college plans throughout your sessions.
Take Challenging Classes That Interest You
While weighted classes can be tough, taking classes you’re interested in can improve your overall performance, focus and motivation. When you have a real interest in the subject matter you’ll put in more time and effort to understand the material and get better grades.
Join a Study Group (and Teach Each Other)
Studying with classmates can be a great support system and you can hear different perspectives on the course material. Taking turns teaching each other and learning from their explanations can solidify your understanding of the key concepts, identify knowledge gaps and find new ways to simplify the material for others. Study groups can also be a great resource to review past tests, quizzes and assignments.
Ask Questions in Class
Asking questions when you have them can help you understand better and get your teacher to present the material in a different way. Taking notes during lessons and these explanations can also help with retention as you’re more engaged with the material and reinforcing your understanding.
Boost Your GPA with C2 Education
At C2 Education we know academic success is key and every student can do it. Our one on one tutoring can give you the extra support you need to boost your GPA and achieve your academic goals. Whether you need help in a specific subject, test prep or overall study skills our tutors are here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t let anything hold you back – contact C2 Education today for more information.
