GPA/ Grading System

[StraightShooter]

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I am really worried. I am about to transfer out in a year to a university.

But... the university I would like to attend has the A+ 4.0 based on a 98-100 percentile. And it only goes down from there. Its like a 3.5-6 for a A-, and its a 3.8 for a regular A.

Needless to say, its scares the $h%t out of me, I would not want to tank my gpa.

Any suggestions? Should I choose a different school to transfer out to?

 

[EBTrailRunner]

Choose whichever school you think you'd be most successful at. Don't let a grading scheme scare you out of what could be the best fit for you.

 

[Stumpyman]

Most schools are similar. Don't entirely base your decision to transfer on that one grading system alone though. If everything else about the school is good, then it should be fine. A lot of the time, the +/- scale can even help you.

 

[StoicJosher]

The AMCAS grading scale is there for a reason and is consistent for all applicants and your AMCAS GPA (which will be used for medical school admissions) can be different from your UG GPA. Don't worry about the grading scheme of your particular UG if you are dead set on medical school.

 

[StraightShooter]

The AMCAS grading scale is there for a reason and is consistent for all applicants and your AMCAS GPA (which will be used for medical school admissions) can be different from your UG GPA. Don't worry about the grading scheme of your particular UG if you are dead set on medical school.

Oh thanks, I just checked the AMCAS grading scale and it lists all the weights. Just like regular, any A is a 4.0 and any A- is a 3.7.

Thanks for that, I was just worried.





Also, is it bad that the curve is set to 2.6

 

[theseeker4]

Oh thanks, I just checked the AMCAS grading scale and it lists all the weights. Just like regular, any A is a 4.0 and any A- is a 3.7.

Thanks for that, I was just worried.

Also, is it bad that the curve is set to 2.6

Depends on how you compare to the students at the university. If you are going to be an "average" student at that university, and have a 2.6gpa, you will not likely be admitted to med school. If you can perform at a high enough level to keep your GPA in the A range, where the school curves the average to doesn't matter.

Only attend a grade deflated school if you are positive you can still get the grades. If your goal is med school, a 4.0 at an average or unknown school beats a low GPA at an elite grade deflated school any day.

 

[Mountaineer12]

Not to hijack your thread, but I had a quick question similar to this: at my school an A- is still considered a 4.0 and I can't seem to find a distinct answer that says whether it will be a 4.0 in AMCAS or not. Some threads say yes it will be a 4.0, some say not it will be a 3.7. Does anyone low for sure?

I have a 4.0 from my university, but a 1 credit course was an A-. I know if it counts as a 3.7 for AMCAS it won't hurt my GPA much, but I'm just wondering how this works. Thanks!

 

[D0CTORX]

How do the curves work?

The bell curves in classes? I mean, they have to have people who fail and pass right?

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

That's not a problem, the application service will consider those A's as a 4.0. Also a 2.66 = a B- curve, which is standard in most science courses. Basically the way it will work is if you're a bit below the average = C+, if you're a bit above the average = B-. If you're over a standard deviation below or above the average = A or a C-/D.

 

[StraightShooter]

That's not a problem, the application service will consider those A's as a 4.0. Also a 2.66 = a B- curve, which is standard in most science courses. Basically the way it will work is if you're a bit below the average = C+, if you're a bit above the average = B-. If you're over a standard deviation below or above the average = A or a C-/D.

Nice.

So if I beat the curve(average) I would get a A?

I am a bit confused on the curve now.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Nice.

So if I beat the curve(average) I would get a A?

I am a bit confused on the curve now.

Yes, if you're a standard deviation above the mean/ Z= +1, then that usually means that you have an A in the class. This however changed if your classes averages are constantly bimodal, then you might need a bit higher or lower Z. But basically the rule of thumb is 1 standard deviation above the mean = an A.
So no, just being a little above the average isn't good enough for an A.

 

[Praefectus]

Not to hijack your thread, but I had a quick question similar to this: at my school an A- is still considered a 4.0 and I can't seem to find a distinct answer that says whether it will be a 4.0 in AMCAS or not. Some threads say yes it will be a 4.0, some say not it will be a 3.7. Does anyone low for sure?

I have a 4.0 from my university, but a 1 credit course was an A-. I know if it counts as a 3.7 for AMCAS it won't hurt my GPA much, but I'm just wondering how this works. Thanks!

I wouldn't worry in your situation. The difference would be a 3.98 vs. a 4.0. I doubt adcoms will get into a huff about that minimal difference.

 

[StraightShooter]

Yes, if you're a standard deviation above the mean/ Z= +1, then that usually means that you have an A in the class. This however changed if your classes averages are constantly bimodal, then you might need a bit higher or lower Z. But basically the rule of thumb is 1 standard deviation above the mean = an A.
So no, just being a little above the average isn't good enough for an A.

I'm in for a whole lot of work when I get to university then.....