A unique "grading system" problem...tough question

[Anand17]

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Im currently a student at UF, and am applying in the following spring. Our grading system is based on the "halfstep system," which is the 4.0,3.5,3.0.2.5...etc. grading system. The problem is that in the spring semester before I apply, the grading system is changing to the more known "plus-minus" system. My question is...how is AMCAS going to view my grades?? About 90% of my grades are under the old system, but UF will be classified under the new system. Im hoping the few B+'s I have wont go from a 3.5 to a 3.3..( I dont want to start a grade system argument). Ive emailed my advisor but havent heard back from him..so I was wondering if you guys can help. Also, its important to note that AMCAS gpa has always translated into the UF gpa given on the transcript in the past. Any input would be appreciated....THANKS GUYS!!

 

[BrnEyes]

Im currently a student at UF, and am applying in the following spring. Our grading system is based on the "halfstep system," which is the 4.0,3.5,3.0.2.5...etc. grading system. The problem is that in the spring semester before I apply, the grading system is changing to the more known "plus-minus" system. My question is...how is AMCAS going to view my grades?? About 90% of my grades are under the old system, but UF will be classified under the new system. Im hoping the few B+'s I have wont go from a 3.5 to a 3.3..( I dont want to start a grade system argument). Ive emailed my advisor but havent heard back from him..so I was wondering if you guys can help. Also, its important to note that AMCAS gpa has always translated into the UF gpa given on the transcript in the past. Any input would be appreciated....THANKS GUYS!!

It might be prudent to contact AMCAS and let them know in advance. If anyone can steer you in the right direction on how to report your grades, it'll be them. You could even ask your registrar to send something highlighting the new grading system along with your transcripts. I think it would be best to pre-emptively solve this issue, though, rather than wait for AMCAS to process your application and tryto make corrections to it.

Just my 2 cents. 🙂

 

[Pedsbro]

Im currently a student at UF, and am applying in the following spring. Our grading system is based on the "halfstep system," which is the 4.0,3.5,3.0.2.5...etc. grading system. The problem is that in the spring semester before I apply, the grading system is changing to the more known "plus-minus" system. My question is...how is AMCAS going to view my grades?? About 90% of my grades are under the old system, but UF will be classified under the new system. Im hoping the few B+'s I have wont go from a 3.5 to a 3.3..( I dont want to start a grade system argument). Ive emailed my advisor but havent heard back from him..so I was wondering if you guys can help. Also, its important to note that AMCAS gpa has always translated into the UF gpa given on the transcript in the past. Any input would be appreciated....THANKS GUYS!!

AMCAS uses their own system. That's how they standardize grades from different schools and different grading systems (and I'm sure they've seen them all). So sorry, but that B+ will be a 3.3 when AMCAS calculates it and most likely your AMCAS GPA will not match your transcript GPA, you don't have control of it.

 

[lord_jeebus]

AMCAS uses their own system. That's how they standardize grades from different schools and different grading systems (and I'm sure they've seen them all). So sorry, but that B+ will be a 3.3 when AMCAS calculates it and most likely your AMCAS GPA will not match your transcript GPA, you don't have control of it.

AMCAS knows about half step GPA systems. The old grades should count as 3.5.

I imagine the OP is not the only premed at UF, so when the time comes, AMCAS should have been made aware of the situation, and you should be able to find out the proper way to input these grades to reflect the situation.

 

[SarsMO]

Pedsbro is right - AMCAS uses its own grading system so as to equalize grading systems. Sorry.

 

[pianola]

When does UF plan to start giving A minuses? Do you know?

 

[ChemGrad08]

Pedsbro and SARSMO are wrong, and the OP is right. AMCAS changes all of the letter grades reported by the schools to numbers if your school only has plusses (half step) it converts a B+ to a 3.5, if your school has pluses and minuses it converts a B+ to a 3.3. I know because I went to schools under both of these systems and got a B+ at both.
To the OP: My guess is that the UF transcript will be pretty clear about the various grading systems and when each system went into effect. AMCAS determines grading systems based on what is put on the transcript. If you're really concerned you can order an 'official' transcript for yourself after next fall and see what it says.

 

[lord_jeebus]

Pedsbro is right - AMCAS uses its own grading system so as to equalize grading systems. Sorry.

According to AMCAS:

http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/2009conversionguide.pdf

Standard B+ = 3.3
Halfstep B+ = 3.5

 

[Anand17]

yea..I know Im write when it comes to the halfstep grading...as Ive known many UF premeds who have gone through this..so to those who say a B+ here is a 3.3 on AMCAS....its not. I didnt want to start "that" discussion. But anyways..the plan on starting the "plus-minus" system in the spring semester of 09...I would rathar it actually be that way since it rewards the student who is close to an A with an A-. Has anyone ever heard of this happening before..as always the more input the better..where's Lizzy when you need her

 

[Anand17]

*write=right*🙂

 

[SarsMO]

My bad; you guys are right. 🙂

 

[gatorsforchrist]

When does UF plan to start giving A minuses? Do you know?

The new grading system will begin Spring 2009 term.

 

[bcat85]

Im currently a student at UF, and am applying in the following spring. Our grading system is based on the "halfstep system," which is the 4.0,3.5,3.0.2.5...etc. grading system. The problem is that in the spring semester before I apply, the grading system is changing to the more known "plus-minus" system. My question is...how is AMCAS going to view my grades?? About 90% of my grades are under the old system, but UF will be classified under the new system. Im hoping the few B+'s I have wont go from a 3.5 to a 3.3..( I dont want to start a grade system argument). Ive emailed my advisor but havent heard back from him..so I was wondering if you guys can help. Also, its important to note that AMCAS gpa has always translated into the UF gpa given on the transcript in the past. Any input would be appreciated....THANKS GUYS!!

This is tough.. AMCAS is definitely who you should contact about this.