Making the GPA: 7 Study Tips for Students

Tips For Making GPA

Your grade point average, or GPA, is the calculated average of your course performance based on a numeric scale for letter grades. Your GPA is an indication of how well you performed in your high school,college and university courses. Many prospective employers and university admission officers consider your GPA along with your application. If your GPA is lower than you would like it to be, you can raise it by achieving higher grades in subsequent courses.

Go to class
Pay attention and participate! Attend all scheduled classes and do not show up tardy. Information may be presented in class that is not covered in the textbook or assigned reading. Take notes during your classes to remember key points and important concepts.

Sit where you don't get distracted
Stay far from friends who talk a lot. Ask your instructor for an extra-credit opportunity to increase your course grade. Not all teachers accept extra credit, but it can help boost your GPA if allowed.

Be part of a study group
Helping others will help you too. Seek out a tutor or study group to help you learn the course material. Ask classmates if they would be interested in meeting for a weekly study group, or find a student who has already passed the course to tutor you in the subject.

Be conscious of the way you learn best
Don't turn off the music because others say so; you may learn better with some sound in the background. Ask your teacher or professor about any material you do not fully understand. Many instructors want their students to succeed and appreciate your extra effort to do well in the class. Seek out your professor during his or her office hours or after class to go over the course material.

Balance your course load
Balance your course load while considering honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses - IB are part of an advanced high school diploma program.

Determine What GPA You Want
Determine your current GPA by checking with the admissions and records department of your school or by calculating it from your transcripts. You may use an online calculator (see Resources) or calculate it by hand. GPA is calculated by assigning a point value to your grade for a course and then multiplying the point value by the number of credit hours the course holds. Repeat this for all courses you have taken and determine the sum of the point values. Divide this number by the total number of credit hours you have completed. Determine the grades you need to achieve to raise your GPA to a desired value by using the online calculator (see Resources). Make it your goal to earn these grades for the semester.

Retake Courses You Are Weak About
Retake any courses that are significantly lowering your GPA. Most institutions allow you to retake courses in which you received a "D" or "F" grade to raise your grade. Check your school's policy to make sure you will receive credit for retaking a course. Earning a better grade in courses you previously failed can have a significant impact on your GPA. শিক্ষা সংক্রান্ত খবরাখবর নিয়মিত পেতে রেজিস্ট্রেশন করুন অথবা Log In করুন।

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