FAU GPA Calculator
A tool for students of Florida Atlantic University
Total Quality Points: 0
Grade Distribution by Credits
What is the FAU GPA Calculator?
The FAU GPA calculator is a specialized tool designed for students of Florida Atlantic University to accurately calculate their semester or cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA). Unlike generic calculators, this tool is pre-configured with FAU’s specific plus/minus grading system, ensuring a precise calculation. Whether you’re a freshman planning your first semester, a continuing student tracking your academic progress, or a prospective student estimating your standing, this calculator provides the clarity you need. By simply entering your course credits and the letter grades you’ve received, you can see your exact GPA and make informed decisions about your academic future.
FAU GPA Formula and Explanation
Calculating your GPA at Florida Atlantic University is a straightforward process based on a simple formula. The university uses a 4.0 scale with plus/minus grading to determine academic standing. The core formula is:
GPA = Total Quality Points / Total Credit Hours
To use this formula, you first need to convert each letter grade into its corresponding quality points. Then, for each class, you multiply the quality points by the number of credit hours for that class. Finally, you sum these values from all your classes and divide by the total number of credits you’ve taken.
FAU Grade Point Value Table
| Letter Grade | Quality Points | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A | 4.00 | Excellent |
| A- | 3.67 | |
| B+ | 3.33 | |
| B | 3.00 | Good |
| B- | 2.67 | |
| C+ | 2.33 | |
| C | 2.00 | Satisfactory |
| C- | 1.67 | |
| D+ | 1.33 | |
| D | 1.00 | Poor |
| D- | 0.67 | |
| F | 0.00 | Failing |
Note: Grades like “S” (Satisfactory), “U” (Unsatisfactory), “P” (Pass), “W” (Withdrawal), and “I” (Incomplete) are not included in GPA calculations.
Practical Examples
Example 1: A Typical Freshman Semester
A freshman completes their first semester at FAU with the following grades:
- ENC 1101 (3 Credits): Grade A
- MAC 2311 (4 Credits): Grade B+
- BSC 1010 (3 Credits): Grade A-
- PSY 1012 (3 Credits): Grade B
Calculation:
- ENC 1101: 3 credits * 4.00 points = 12.00 quality points
- MAC 2311: 4 credits * 3.33 points = 13.32 quality points
- BSC 1010: 3 credits * 3.67 points = 11.01 quality points
- PSY 1012: 3 credits * 3.00 points = 9.00 quality points
Total Quality Points: 45.33
Total Credits: 13
Semester GPA: 45.33 / 13 = 3.49
Example 2: A Student with a Challenging Course
A sophomore has the following semester:
- CHM 2045 (3 Credits): Grade C
- SPC 2608 (3 Credits): Grade A
- ECO 2013 (3 Credits): Grade B-
- ANT 2000 (3 Credits): Grade A-
Calculation:
- CHM 2045: 3 credits * 2.00 points = 6.00 quality points
- SPC 2608: 3 credits * 4.00 points = 12.00 quality points
- ECO 2013: 3 credits * 2.67 points = 8.01 quality points
- ANT 2000: 3 credits * 3.67 points = 11.01 quality points
Total Quality Points: 37.02
Total Credits: 12
Semester GPA: 37.02 / 12 = 3.09
How to Use This FAU GPA Calculator
- Enter Course Information: For each class you’ve taken, find its row in the calculator. You can enter the course name for your own reference.
- Select Your Grade: Use the dropdown menu to select the letter grade you received for that course. The correct quality points for the FAU grading scale are automatically assigned.
- Input Credit Hours: In the ‘Credits’ field, type the number of credit hours the course was worth. Most standard courses are 3 credits.
- Add More Courses: If you have more courses than the initial rows, simply click the “Add Course” button to create a new line.
- Calculate: Once all your courses are entered, click the “Calculate GPA” button. Your semester GPA, total credits, and total quality points will instantly appear in the results area.
Key Factors That Affect Your FAU GPA
- Plus/Minus Grades: The difference between a B (3.00) and a B+ (3.33) can have a significant impact over time. Always striving for the plus grade can boost your GPA.
- Credit Hours: A grade in a 4-credit course has a greater impact on your GPA than the same grade in a 1-credit lab. Prioritize your performance in high-credit courses.
- ‘F’ Grades: An ‘F’ grade provides 0 quality points and can drastically lower your GPA. It is the most damaging grade you can receive.
- Grade Forgiveness: FAU allows students to repeat a course and use the higher grade in the GPA calculation. This “Grade Forgiveness Policy” can be used a limited number of times (currently three) to repair a GPA damaged by a poor grade.
- Withdrawals (“W”): A “W” does not affect your GPA, but a pattern of withdrawals can be a red flag. It’s better than an F, but should be used sparingly.
- Course Load: Taking on too many difficult courses at once can spread you too thin, leading to lower grades across the board and a lower overall GPA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do I calculate my cumulative GPA?
To calculate your cumulative GPA, you would need to add the total quality points and total credits from all your previous semesters to the current semester’s totals, then divide the grand total of quality points by the grand total of credits.
2. Do grades from other institutions affect my FAU GPA?
No, your institutional GPA at FAU is calculated using only grades earned in FAU courses. Transfer credits count toward your degree but are not factored into your FAU GPA.
3. What is the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?
This calculator computes your unweighted institutional GPA. A weighted GPA is typically used for admissions from high school and gives extra points for AP, IB, or Honors courses. Your FAU GPA is unweighted.
4. How many times can I use the Grade Forgiveness Policy?
According to university policy, students may use the forgiveness policy up to three times during their undergraduate study.
5. Does an ‘F’ stay on my transcript even if I use grade forgiveness?
Yes. The original course and grade remain on your academic transcript, but the original grade is excluded from the GPA calculation when forgiveness is applied.
6. What GPA do I need to make the Dean’s List?
The requirements for the Dean’s List can vary by college within FAU, but it typically requires a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher on a minimum of 12 credit hours.
7. What is a “good” GPA at FAU?
While “good” is subjective, a GPA of 3.0 or higher is generally considered to be in good academic standing. For competitive graduate programs or honors, a GPA of 3.5 or higher is often recommended. The average GPA for admitted students is around 3.83.
8. Does a Pass/Fail (P/F) grade affect my GPA?
No, a grade of ‘P’ (Pass) earns you credit but does not factor into your GPA calculation. An ‘F’ in a Pass/Fail course, however, is treated as a regular ‘F’ and will negatively impact your GPA.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
- Financial Aid Calculator: Estimate your potential financial aid package.
- Degree Progress Tracker: See how the courses you’ve taken apply to your degree requirements.
- Tuition Fees Estimator: Calculate the estimated cost of attendance per semester.
- Credit Transfer Tool: See how courses from other institutions may transfer to FAU.
- Scholarship Finder: Search for available scholarships you may be eligible for.
- Major Exploration Tool: Explore different majors and their academic requirements.