BreakThru Learning: GPA vs sGPA
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Learner Series:
Your GPA vs Your sGPA
Table of Contents
Types of GPAs
You’re probably already aware of your GPA or Grade Point Average (sometimes called a cGPA or cumulative GPA). But did you know that there’s ANOTHER type of GPA that is critically important for applying to medical school?
It’s called the sGPA, or Science GPA and it's a weighted average of your science classes. However, not every class with the word "science" counts! This is incredibly important to know. As you are planning your classes you'll want to stay aware of both GPAs, and which classes count for which GPA. Then, if you need to improve grades in any one GPA you can plan the proper classes to take.
Why is this Important?: According to the Princeton Review the average GPA for a medical school applicant is 3.71! You want to be a competitive applicant and you want to have all the tools you need to plan strategically to get there!
First Let’s Look at How Your GPA is Calculated:
You’ll find calculating the two GPAs is pretty similar. It just takes some simple math based around weighted averages. Refer to your college’s handbook and your class syllabus for exact numbers!
- Weighted Average (Numeric Value)
A+ (4.0), A- (3.7), B+ (3.3), B (3.0), B- (2.7), C+ (2.3), C (2.0),
C- (1.7), D+ (1.3), D- (0.7) - Credits
Now, figure out how many credits your classes are worth. It’ll be either 3 or 4 credits. Then add up all your credits for the semester. Most semesters you’ll take 12 – 18 credits. - Math
You knew the math was coming right? Multiply each class’ credits by the numeric GPA value for that class. Then add up all the products you calculated. Finally divide by the total number of credits you’ve taken. - Let’s Practice! You’ve taken these classes and got the following grades.
- An A- in Biology IÂ which is worth 4 credits.Â
- A C+ in Economics which is worth 3 credits.
- An A in Physics I which is worth 4 credits.
Can you calculate your GPA?
So what did you get?Â
Check the box to the right to see if your answer is the correct answer!Â
The Science GPA
(It's not as simple as you'd think)
It's important that you're strategic about maintaining a high sGPA. The average sGPA for a medical school applicant is 3.64. That’s lower than the cumulative GPA, but it says more about your ability to handle scientific topics!
Your SCIENCE GPA is calculated just like your cumulative GPA, but only using your science classes. However not all science classes may count.
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Fortunately, there’s no need to guess. Let’s turn to the authority for calculating the science GPA, the AMCAS. This is the same group that will calculate it later when you apply to medical school. When in doubt refer to this list!
Here’s an example of some classes that do count towards your sGPA vs a few that don’t. You might be surprised by what’s on the list of classes that don’t count!Â
- Some Classes that Count:
Biology, Microbiology, Zoology, Neuroscience, Chem, Astronomy, Mathematics, Biostatistics - Some Classes that Don’t Count:
Anthropology, Journalism, Computer Science, Physical Education*, Human Development, Engineering
It can be a little confusing what goes into your regular GPA vs your sGPA. When planning classes and considering what you need to do to improve your GPA, try to know beforehand what counts as what
- Calculate the sGPA! You’ve taken these classes and got the following grades.
An A- in Political Science which is worth 3 credits.Â
A C+ in Economics which is worth 3 credits.
An A in Physics I which is worth 4 credits.
An A- in Astronomy which is worth 3 credits.
Can you calculate your sGPA? (Not sure which classes count for the sGPA? Use the link above!)
So what did you get?Â
Check the box to the right to see if your answer is the correct answer!Â
GPA Tracking Apps
These are a great tools to use as you take classes. They also help you keep your grades high by constantly keeping you aware of where you stand in the class.Â
Fourpoint – A Grade Tracker
I cannot recommend this app any more highly! It lets you:
- Break down portions of a grade (homework grade, essay grade, etc)
- Set major and classify grades into that major
- Calculates your GPA and Major GPA
- Allows you to put in what grades you think you’ll get and see the effect of those grades on your GPA.
Tip: Using a tool like this you can put all your science classes into 1 major or 1 group and that’ll automatically calculate the science GPA!!
Grade Advice
02. DO
Track Your GPA and sGPA
It's OK to be a little obsessive about tracking your GPA / sGPA. This is, after all, one of your most important stats.
04. DO
Use Apps or Charts
Get creative with how you track your grades! You can use an app or create your own form or be as creative as you want.
01. DON'T
Ignore Your GPA!
Some studies have shown that being aware and tracking your GPA and grades actually increase your scores in school. What you don't want to do is ignore your GPA entirely.
03. DON'T
Over Obsess on Grades
Note I said it's OK to be a little obsessive about grades. But don't go overboard. Mental health is incredibly important to all of us, and we can we easily go too far with tracking grades.
05. DON'T
Take Classes Without a Strategy
Every class you take should fit into your strategy in some fashion. Enrichment? Medical School? Career Goals? Doesn't really matter what the strategy is, just make sure you have one!
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