Decoding Your UIUC GPA: A Comprehensive Guide
Navigating the grading system at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) can seem daunting. As one of the leading public research universities in the United States, UIUC is known for its academic rigor. To help students understand and calculate their academic standing, this article provides a detailed overview of the UIUC GPA system, including the grading scale, special grade symbols, and tools for GPA calculation.
The UIUC Grading System: A Four-Point Scale
UIUC operates on a four-point grading system (Student Code, 3-103) that includes both plus (+) and minus (−) grades. This system is used to calculate undergraduate GPAs across all undergraduate colleges on the Urbana-Champaign campus. The GPA is calculated based on courses attempted that carry credit and have grades and credits assigned under the campus grading system.
Understanding Grade Symbols and Their Impact
UIUC transcripts may contain various grades and symbols, not all of which contribute to the GPA. Here's a breakdown of common symbols:
- A, B, C, D, F: These are standard letter grades that contribute to the GPA, with A being the highest and F being a failing grade. Plus and minus grades further refine the evaluation.
- AU (Audit): Indicates attendance as a visitor only. This grade does not count toward the student’s GPA or earned hours.
- CR (Credit): Used only in courses taken for credit/no credit. Instructors report the usual letter grades, but a grade of D- or better is required to be converted to CR (as of Fall 2022). Prior to Fall 2022, a grade of C- or better was automatically converted to CR.
- DFR (Grade Temporarily Deferred): Used only in thesis, research, and special-problems courses extending over more than one semester. It is often used for graduate students preparing for a thesis and undergraduate students satisfying graduation with honors requirements.
- I (Incomplete): Indicates an approved extension of time to complete the final examination or other course requirements.
- NC (No Credit): Used only in courses taken under the credit/no credit grading option. As of Fall 2022, grades of F will automatically convert to NC. (Between Fall 2022 and Summer 2025, ABS grades will convert to NC.) Prior to Fall 2022, a grade of D+ or lower or a grade of ABS was automatically converted to NC.
- NR (Not Reported): Automatically recorded when the instructor has not submitted the grade.
- NV (Not Valid): Automatically recorded when the grade submitted by the instructor is not valid for the student’s grade mode.
- W (Withdrawn): Indicates that a student has withdrawn from a course. This grade does not affect the GPA.
- ABS (Absent from Final): Prior to Fall 2025, absent from the final exam without an acceptable excuse (counts as a failure; not acceptable for degree credit).
- BR (By Rule): Beginning in Fall 2004, tracks students who have not complied with time limitations for incomplete or deferred grades. This appears as a grade comment on SHATCKS but does not print on a transcript.
- FR (F by Rule): This was a "F by rule" grade code for courses prior to Fall 2004.
- H (Honors): Honors credit, as certified by the department offering the course.
- HON (Honors): Used only for Carle Illinois College of Medicine core clerkship courses indicating completion with honors.
- NP (No Pass): Used for Graduate, Law, and Undergraduate students during global health emergency. No credit is earned for courses with this grade designation.
- NZ (No Pass COVID): No Pass. Used for Graduate and Undergraduate students during global health emergency.
- PD (Pass with Distinction): Used for Law students only during global health emergency.
- PP (Pass): Used for Graduate, Law, and Undergraduate students during global health emergency. Credit is earned for courses with this grade designation.
- PS (Pass): Used for test-based credit. As of Fall 2023 a minimum grade of “C” is required. Prior to Fall 2023, a minimum grade of “C-“ was required.
- PZ (Pass COVID): Pass. A minimum grade of D- is required for credit.
Note: Grades marked with an asterisk (*) do not count toward the student’s GPA or earned hours.
Calculating Your UIUC GPA
To calculate your GPA, you'll need to convert your letter grades to numerical values based on the 4.0 scale. Although the exact numerical equivalents may vary slightly depending on the course and instructor, the following is a general guideline:
Read also: Overall GPA Explained
- A+ = 4.0
- A = 4.0
- A- = 3.67
- B+ = 3.33
- B = 3.0
- B- = 2.67
- C+ = 2.33
- C = 2.0
- C- = 1.67
- D+ = 1.33
- D = 1.0
- D- = 0.67
- F = 0.0
Multiply the numerical value of each grade by the number of credit hours for that course. Sum these values for all courses, and then divide by the total number of credit hours.
Utilizing GPA Calculators
Several online tools can simplify the GPA calculation process. These calculators automatically convert letter grades to numerical values and compute your GPA for a single semester or cumulatively.
- Single Semester/Cumulative GPA Calculator: This calculator computes your GPA for a single semester or, if you know your current GPA and total number of credits, it will compute your cumulative GPA including these current grades. It should be self-explanatory and you can use either upper- or lower-case letters for the grades.
- GPA Goal Calculator: This calculator tells you what GPA you will need for your next semester, year, etc. to reach a GPA goal. You just need to know your current GPA and the number of credits you’ve already completed.
- Course Retake Calculator: This calculator allows you to compute the effect of retaking a course with the new grade replacing the original one. To find you actual new GPA, use the Cumulative GPA Calculator inputting the non-repeated courses and then use this one to see the effect of the repeated course. Here you need to know your current GPA and the number of credits you’ve completed, and, of course, the number of credits and the two grades (as always, you can input either upper- or lower-case grades) for the course in question.
Important Considerations
- These calculators are designed for personal use in evaluating and planning your academic standing.
- They are not official University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign GPA calculators.
- Always double-check your calculations and consult with an academic advisor for official GPA information.
Additional Resources
- UIUC Student Code: Consult the official Student Code for detailed information on grading policies and procedures.
- Academic Advisor: Your academic advisor can provide personalized guidance on understanding your GPA and academic progress.
- UIUC Registrar's Office: The Registrar's Office is the official source for academic records and GPA information.
Read also: Calculate Your GPA for Law School
Read also: GPA Calculation
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