Lecture Notes: GPA Calculation and Strategies to Get Off Probation

Introduction

Discussion on how to calculate GPA and strategies to get off academic probation.
Hypothetical scenario: Starting college with certain grades.

High School:
- Grades are assigned as follows: A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, F = 0.
- Example: Four A's = 16 grade points, divided by 4 courses = 4.0 GPA.
College:
- Grades assigned similarly, but unit value of the class is factored in.
- Example: An F (0 grade points) in a 3-unit class = 0 grade points.
- HD 101 with a D (1 grade point) in 3-unit class = 3 grade points.
- Divide total grade points by total units attempted (GPA hours).
- Example: 3 grade points/13 units = 0.23 GPA.

Academic probation if GPA < 2.0 after attempting over 12 units.
Calculation Example:
- To achieve a 2.0: units attempted (13) × 2 = 26 grade points needed.
- Deficit of 23 grade points = on academic probation.

Limited to 9 new units if on probation.
Obtained C's in second semester (2 grade points per course).
- Total: 6 grade points from second semester.
- Cumulative GPA calculation involves combining both semesters.
- Example: Total grade points: 21/22 units attempted = 0.95 GPA.

Effective strategy: Repeat courses you performed poorly in, especially core subjects like English and Math.
Example: Improved grades in repeated courses can significantly boost grade points without adding to units attempted.
Calculation Example: English (B) = 9 grade points, Math (A) = 16 grade points.

If unable to repeat, aim for higher grades in new courses to counterbalance previous low grades.
Counterbalance F's with A's, D's with B's.
Example: 9 units of F's need 9 units of A's for a 2.0 GPA.