Your grade point average or GPA (as it is commonly referred to) is a very important part of the college admissions process.  This is why it is important for all students to know how to calculate GPA.  Why? Because colleges and universities will use your GPA to judge how well you did in high school and to determine if you're ready for college level classes.

Since GPA is so important, it is critical that students monitor their GPA continuously (monthly at a minimum).  In this post, I'll give you a quick and easy way to calculate your GPA.

The best way that I can describe this process to you is by using an example.  Let's get started...

Here are Martha's 1st quarter grades:

Math A

Science A

History B

Gym A

Art B

Now, we'll need to turn Martha's letter grades into numbers.  Here's what each grade is worth in points:

A=4

B=3

C=2

D=1

F=0

Next, we'll have to see how many points Martha's earned:

Math=4

Science=4

History=3

Gym=4

Art=3

Now, we'll have to add all of Martha's points together:

4+4+3+4+3=18

Finally, we'll need to divide the total from above by the total number of classes that Martha is enrolled in.

Martha is taking 5 classes, so 18/5 = 3.6.

Worried that your SAT score won’t allow you to go to the Ivy League college that you were hoping for?  Are you eagerly searching for an alternative? Wondering what the average SAT scores for colleges and universities similar to Ivy League schools are?

Well, you’re in luck.  I’ve done all the research for you.  Below is a list average SAT scores for top-notch, non-ivy league schools.  You’ll notice that I’ve only included 5.  The idea here is that you’ll get a flavor for the type of average SAT scores you should be aiming for.

Top Universities (Non-Ivy League)

1.     Duke

Reading (660-750)

Math (680-790)

Writing (680-780)

2.     Northwestern

Reading (670-750)

Math (680-770)

Writing (660-750)

3.     Notre Dame

Reading (650-740)

Math (670-760)

Writing (640-730)

4.     Stanford

Reading (650-750)

Math (680-780)

Writing (670-760)

5.     Vanderbilt

Reading (650-740)

Math (680-760)

Writing (650-730)

Did you find this helpful?  To find additional average SAT scores for colleges and universities, visit my website: http://thecollegehelper.com/sat-scores-for-colleges