Calculating Grade-Point Average (GPA)

Hillsdale uses the standard “4.0” grading system:

The formula for computing GPA for a given semester is as follows:

Grade Points*/Semester Hours = Semester Grade-Point Average

The formula for computing accumulative GPA is as follows:

Total Grade Points*/Total Hours Attempted = Accumulative GPA

*Grade Points are calculated by multiplying the credit hours for a given course by the grade in that course (on a 4.0 scale). Example: A “B” in a 4-credit hour class = 12 grade points.

The following computation can be done to figure out the GPA needed in the current or upcoming semester to achieve a desired cumulative GPA:

Step 1: Total Credit Hours Attempted + In-Progress Credit Hours x Desired Cumulative GPA =

Total Grade Points Necessary to Earn Desired GPA;

Step 2: Total Grade Points Necessary to Earn Desired GPA - Current Cumulative Grade Points =

Grade Points Necessary in Current or Upcoming Semester to Achieve Desired GPA;

Step 3: Grade Points Necessary ÷ Credit Hours In-Progress = Semester GPA Needed to Achieve Desired Cumulative GPA.

IMPROVING YOUR GPA BY REPEATING COURSES

If your GPA is not satisfactory, you may wish to repeat an unsatisfactory grade to improve your cumulative average. The following are things to remember when repeating a course:

1. You may only repeat courses in which you received a grade below “C.”
2. To replace a poor grade, a student must repeat the course at Hillsdale. A poor grade can never be improved by taking a transfer course.
3. All “Fs” should be repeated as quickly as possible.
4. If you repeat a course, the first grade will remain on your transcript, but an “R” is placed by it to indicate the course has been repeated. Your cumulative GPA will be recalculated based on the second attempt, even if that grade is lower than the prior grade. The prior semester GPA remains unchanged.