BY THE NUMBERS

Some of you love tangible goals and crunching numbers. Others of you can't stand numbers—in fact, you're here because of that extremely difficult math class that you're only taking because it's required for your major. Regardless of the category you fall into, it's time to manipulate some numbers (you'll be using sections 5a and 5b on your worksheet).

The GPA calculator is a great tool to predict potential GPA improvement—and to visualize that Good Standing finish line. It may take a moment to get acclimated, but once you do we think you'll use this tool again and again. First, go to the GPA Calculator.

Scroll to the middle of the page and enter your:

• Total cumulative grade points (go to my.ucsc.edu, >>Student Center>> Advising Summary>> Statistics tab)
  
• Total Cumulative Attempted Units Toward GPA

Scroll down and enter:

• The number of credits each of your courses will be in your next registered quarter
  
• Estimated grades you might earn for this set of courses

Most courses are five credits, as you know, or one or two credits if you're taking a lab. As for grades, start with something realistic. Think you can earn all Bs? Go for it! Hit the Submit button and view the resulting GPAs (scroll to the bottom to view your projected cumulative GPA). Happy? Write your estimated grades and GPAs in the blanks in 5a. Don't like what you see? Try again, but don't forget to stay realistic. When you've got a scenario you're comfortable with, record your stats in 5a and continue.

Will your realistic estimate get you back into good standing (current and cumulative GPAs at 2.0 or above)?

If it's impossible for you to bring your cumulative GPA above 2.0 within one quarter, consider adding more classes and grades to determine how many quarters it might take to return to good standing.  Once you've figured out the right combination, enter the number of As, Bs, and Cs that you'll need to return to good standing. Obviously, if you earn all As, your GPA will increase more rapidly. But it's important to be realistic about your plans, so use whatever combination makes the most sense to you, even if it means that you need to take more classes (and quarters) to return to good standing. If you won’t be able to return to good standing in one quarter, be sure to talk with an advisor at your College about what implications this will have for you in the academic review process. Write these grades, and the resulting GPAs in the spaces provided in 5b. *Please note: if you are repeating grades, your actual GPA may vary from the GPA calculator; see an advisor for more information.

Now that you’ve set some goals for improving your grades, let’s look at some of the resources available at UCSC to support you in achieving them.

Continue