Understanding the GPA Calculation Method at Texas State University

For prospective students navigating the college application process, understanding how universities evaluate academic performance is crucial. This article aims to clarify the GPA calculation methods used by Texas State University, providing a comprehensive overview for applicants and current students.

GPA Calculation for Admissions

Texas State University employs a specific methodology to calculate GPA for admission purposes, emphasizing a weighted approach that considers the rigor of the curriculum. This involves evaluating core courses and assigning numerical values to letter grades.

Core Courses

The university primarily focuses on core courses, including:

English
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Foreign Language

Grade Values

For each core course, a numerical value is assigned based on the letter grade received:

A = 4 points
B = 3 points
C = 2 points
D = 1 point
F = 0 points

Weighting for Advanced Courses

Texas State University recognizes the increased difficulty of advanced coursework by applying additional weight to grades earned in honors, International Baccalaureate (IB), and Advanced Placement (AP) classes.

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Honors courses: Add 1 point to the grade value.
AP or IB courses: Add 2 points to the grade value.

It is important to note that the maximum value for a weighted course is capped at 6. For example, an "A" in an AP course, which would initially calculate to 4 + 2 = 6, remains at 6, preventing it from exceeding the maximum.

Calculating the Weighted GPA

To determine the final weighted GPA, follow these steps:

Multiply the assigned value (including any weighting) by the number of semester credit hours for the course (typically 0.5 or 1.0).
Sum all the weighted GPAs for each core course.
Divide the sum by the total number of semester credit hours.

Example Calculation

Let's illustrate with an example:

Course	Grade	Credit Hours	Value	Weight	Weighted Value
AP English	B	1.0	3	+2	5
Regular Math	C	1.0	2	0	2
Honors Science	A	1.0	4	+1	5
Regular History	D	1.0	1	0	1
Foreign Language	A	1.0	4	0	4

Total Weighted Value: 5 + 2 + 5 + 1 + 4 = 17

Total Credit Hours: 1.0 + 1.0 + 1.0 + 1.0 + 1.0 = 5.0

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Weighted GPA = 17 / 5.0 = 3.4

Official GPA Calculation at Texas State

Texas State University utilizes a four-point system to calculate the GPA. The GPA is determined by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the number of semester hours attempted.

Grade Point Values

The following values are assigned to semester grade symbols:

A = 4 points
B = 3 points
C = 2 points
D = 1 point
F and U = 0 points

Grades for "I" (Incomplete), "CR" (Credit), "PR" (Progress), "NC" (Not Completed Correspondence Course) or "W" (Withdraw) are not calculated into the GPA.

GPA for Graduation with Honors

Students may graduate with honors based on their GPA, provided they have completed a minimum of 54 semester credit hours at Texas State prior to graduation:

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Cum laude: 3.40-3.59
Magna cum laude: 3.6-3.79
Summa cum laude: 3.8-4.0

Additional Factors in Admissions

While GPA is a significant factor, Texas State University holistically evaluates applicants, considering several other elements:

Rigor of Curriculum: The difficulty and level of the courses taken.
Extracurricular Activities: Involvement in clubs, sports, and other activities.
Letters of Recommendation: Evaluations from teachers, counselors, or mentors.
Personal Essays: Demonstrations of writing skills, personal insights, and goals.

GPA Recalculation for Transfer Students

For transfer students, Texas State will separate transfer coursework from Texas State coursework on the transcript. Transfer work is listed first, indicating the number of hours transferred. Texas State coursework is then listed chronologically.

Repeating Courses

A student may repeat a course at Texas State, but credit is only awarded once unless the course description explicitly states that it can be repeated for credit. When a course is repeated at Texas State:

The second grade (first repeat) and all subsequent grades are included in computing the Texas State hours attempted, grade points earned, and GPA.
W, I, PR, and RP grades are excluded from this calculation.
If the last grade in a repeated course is lower than an earlier grade, the last grade is used to determine whether the course fulfills university requirements.

If a course is repeated at another institution, it must be repeated as transfer credit to count as a repeat. The last grade earned at Texas State will still be factored into the Texas State GPA.

GPA Considerations for Graduate Admissions

For graduate admissions, Texas State calculates an overall GPA or a GPA of the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework (plus any completed graduate courses). If an applicant has completed a graduate degree, their overall graduate GPA will also be reviewed.

Last 60 Hour GPA

The "last 60 hour GPA" is based on the last 60 undergraduate semester hours of letter-grade work earned before receiving a bachelor's degree.

Graduate GPA

If applying to a program that requires a master's degree, the GPA calculation is based exclusively on the overall graduate hours of letter-grade work, referred to as the "overall graduate GPA."

Subject-Specific GPA

Some programs may also require a subject-specific GPA for admission consideration.

International Students GPA

Texas State University determines equivalent grades to the grades/marks on international transcripts/marksheets/exam documents. The university uses academic documents such as transcripts and test scores to complete the application file for initial review. Unofficial documents can be used for the initial admission review, but official documents are required once final credentials and exam results are available.

Additional Academic Policies

Academic Probation

A student will be placed on academic probation at the end of the fall or spring semester if their Texas State GPA is less than 2.00.

Course Load

During the fall or spring semesters, students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours are considered full-time students. Students in good academic standing may register for up to 18 credit hours each semester. During the summer term, students enrolled in 12 or more hours combined over the summer term are considered full-time students.

Attendance

Texas State expects students to attend every scheduled class meeting. Absences due to the observance of a religious holy day are excused, provided the student notifies the instructor in advance.

Dropping Courses

Under Texas Education Code Section 51.907, an institution of higher education may not permit a student to drop more than six courses. This law applies to courses dropped at public institutions of higher education in Texas.

Grades

Semester grades are based on the student’s written or oral work in a given course, and attendance may also affect the grade. In addition to the standard A-F grades, Texas State also uses grades such as "CR" (Credit), "NC" (Not Completed Correspondence Course), "PR" (Progress), "EP" (Emergency Passing), "I" (Incomplete), "U" (Failure-Unearned), "DA" (Dropped Administratively Due to Never Attended), and "W" (Withdraw).

Resources

Texas State University provides various resources to support students' academic success:

Student Learning Assistance Center: Offers a wide range of academic support programs.
Degree Works: An advising report that shows students' progress towards their degrees.
University Academic Calendar: Provides important dates and deadlines.
TXST OneStop: A central location for student services and support.
Pre-Health Advisors: Offer advice and guidance for students interested in pre-health programs.

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