Do Grades Matter? & GPA Calculator

Colleges, universities, and future employers are interested in your GPA. GPA stands for Grade Point Average and is a number that represents the grades you received in 9th–12th grades. The more A's you earn, the closer your GPA will be to 4.0. The more D's and F's you earn, the closer your GPA will be to 1.0 or 0.

Academic grades and citizenship grades can impact your ability to participate in school activities such as sports and student government.

Some colleges and universities use GPA and test scores (such as the ACT) to determine if you are eligible for admissions, scholarships, and freshman courses. They may also use other measures of your college and career readiness such as participation in activities at school and in the community, the types of courses you take, citizenship grades, etc.

The University/College Index Chart shows an Index Score as a combination of GPA and ACT Score. These Index Scores are sometimes used to determine admissions or scholarship eligibility. Check with colleges and universities you are interested in to see the minimum requirements of GPA and test scores that are needed for admissions and scholarship opportunities at that institution.