Overview
What it is
Grades and GPA (grade point average) are how schools report a student's academic performance — and they matter for honor roll, eligibility, and especially college admissions. But grading systems vary, so here's a plain-English guide to how it all works.
Types & Options
Types & options
- Letter & percentage gradesMost schools use letters (A–F) and/or percentages for each course.
- GPA (grade point average)Grades are converted to points (commonly A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1) and averaged — usually on a 4.0 scale.
- Weighted vs unweighted GPAUnweighted treats all courses equally (max 4.0); weighted gives harder courses (honors, AP, IB) extra points (so a GPA can exceed 4.0).
- Standards-based gradingSome schools grade against specific skills/standards (e.g., 1–4) rather than letters.
- Honor roll & class rankRecognition and ranking based on GPA (some schools have dropped class rank).
Benefits
Why it matters
Report cards (issued each term) show grades and progress, and are different from a transcript (the cumulative record used for college). For college admissions, both your GPA and the rigor of your courses matter — a slightly lower GPA in challenging classes can be viewed favorably. (Note: this is about student grades; a school's own “report card” rating is a different thing — see accountability.)
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- What is GPA?A grade point average — your grades converted to points and averaged, usually on a 4.0 scale.
- What's the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?Weighted gives harder courses extra points (can exceed 4.0); unweighted caps at 4.0.
- What is standards-based grading?Grading against specific skills (e.g., 1–4) rather than letter grades.
- Does GPA matter for college?Yes — along with course rigor; both are considered.
- What's the difference between a report card and a transcript?A report card shows a term's grades; a transcript is the cumulative record for college.
At a Glance
Key facts
- GradesLetters (A–F) or percentages
- GPAGrade average, usually on a 4.0 scale
- Weighted GPAExtra points for honors/AP/IB (can top 4.0)
- AlsoStandards-based grading (1–4)
- CollegeGPA & course rigor both matter
Learn More
Where to learn more
Connect grades to next steps: