"GPA" is Grade Point Average. In the United States, this is a common way of averaging what your overall grades are in school.

GPA is a simple point system, and although there is some variations on it, it is USUALLY set up like this:

• A grade of "A" - 90% or better - is worth 4 points
• A grade of "B" - 80%-89% score - is worth 3 points
• A grade of "C" - 70%-79% score - is worth 2 points
• A grade of "D" - 60%-69% - is worth 1 point
• A grade of "F" - 59% or lower score - failing. Worth no points.

To determine your GPA - your Grade Point Average - you take the score you achieved in each class, and add them up. Then you divide that total by the number of classes you have taken.

So, if you have take 4 classes this semester, and you received an A, two B's and a C.

one A = 4 points
two B's = 6 points
one C = 2 points
TOTAL is 12 points.
12 divided by 4 (number of classes taken) = 3, which means your GPA is 3.0

If your school or country does not use the GPA system, you would need to try to find an equivalent. If you are graded on your classes on a percentage system, then it's pretty easy. For every class you received 90% or better then you would convert that to an "A" or 4 points, etc.

If you are using just a "pass-fail" system, then just explain that when applying for scholarships or applying to colleges.

Generally, when applying to college and/or for scholarships, your "cumulative" GPA is considered. What this means is that your average GPA for all four years (or equivalent for your country) is considered.

Regardless of what grading system the high school, secondary school, tertiary, gymnasium, college or university in your home country is using, when you are ready to attend college or university in the US, the colleges' Administration Office will be able to help you convert your grading system to one equivalent in the US.

Search for {scholarship} {grants} {college} {education} {university} {financial aid} {student loan} {fellowships} {internships} {minority scholarship} Webmasters Earn Cash!