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My GPA

Your GPA serves as one mark of your success at the University of South Carolina. Learn how a grade point average is calculated and what you can do to improve this important number. Follow the tips below to enhance your potential of earning a strong GPA beginning in your first semester and throughout your college years!
GPA

Calculate your GPA on the University of South Carolina Registrar’s web site:
http://registrar.sc.edu/html/gpa_calc/gpa.htm

Want to improve your GPA? Calculate what it is going to take!
Use this great tool from the University of Maryland:
http://www.sis.umd.edu/gpacalc/html.html

Tips for Improving Your GPA

  1. Study two hours per week for every one hour you are in class. This requires effective time management.
  2. Review your notes immediately following lecture and/or during free time between classes.
  3. Don’t cram the night before a test. Develop a study schedule to keep you on track when studying for exams.
  4. Get at least 7 hours of sleep the night before a major exam.
  5. Meet with your professor and discuss how you can improve.
  6. Take advantage of academic resources, such as Academic Centers for Excellence and Supplemental Instruction. and Tutoring.
  7. Understand the study strategies that work for you. Meet with an Academic Success Coach to learn more about individual learning and study strategies that could work for you.
  8. Meet with a study group. Talking about the course material and asking questions will enhance your understanding. Supplemental Instruction may be offered in your class.
  9. Attend study skills workshops offered through the Student Assistance Program and ACE.
  10. Meet with your academic advisor to discuss course options and strategies for success in those courses.
  11. Make sure your study environment is working for you. Find a place with few distractions.
  12. Schedule an appointment with a University of South Carolina Career Counselor to discuss majors that interest you.

Scholastically Deficient Information

What is scholastic deficiency?
Students are considered "scholastically deficient" if their semester, yearly, or cumulative grade point average (GPA) falls below a 2.0. Scholastic deficiency is measured by grade point deficit (GPD) points, which is really a measure of how far below a GPA is of a 2.0. Although students can remain at the university with a GPA of at least a 2.0, a student’s college or school may require a higher GPA to remain in its academic programs. It is important for you to know the specific requirements of your academic program!

At what point are students placed on academic suspension?
Students are suspended from the university if their yearly or cumulative grade point deficit points reach or exceed 24. (First semester freshmen are not suspended, even if their GPD points reach 24. However, they can be suspended after their first year.) If a student is suspended, he/she must spend a major semester and a summer out of the University of South Carolina before applying to return.

How can students determine their grade point deficit points?
You can estimate what your GPA and GPD will be by going to the Registrar's Office GPA Calculator page: http://registrar.sc.edu/html/gpa_calc/gpa.htm
Input the number of hours and your estimated grade for each of your courses and click "compute." There is also additional information about grade point deficit points.

How can students reapply for admission to the University of South Carolina after they have been suspended?
Students who are on academic suspension must apply for readmission to the University. This can be done through the University of South Carolina Undergraduate Admissions Office, and the Web site on readmission is located at http://www.sc.edu/admissions/readmission.htm. Students must also complete a petition with their College or School for its petition committee to review. Students will use the petition to explain their situation leading to suspension and any mitigating circumstances related to their academic performance, as well as provide any relevant documentation for consideration. These two processes need to be completed simultaneously and in a timely manner.

How can students get more information about the University’s academic regulations related to scholastic deficiency and academic suspension?
See the “Academic Regulations” section of the Undergraduate Academic Bulletin at http://www.sc.edu/bulletin/ugrad/acadregs.html#acad%20standing for more information about scholastic deficiency and academic suspension.

What resources are available to assist students who are scholastically deficient?
There are many wonderful resources available to help you get back on track your next semester at the University of South Carolina! This Academic Success @ SC web site offers a comprehensive array of helpful resources and information, including tutoring and academic coaching available through the Academic Centers for Excellence. The Student Success web site http://www.sa.sc.edu/ssc includes information on the Students Tackling Academic Recovery (STAR) program, as well as tutoring and Supplemental Instruction. Students should also seek guidance from their academic advisors as they map a plan for academic recovery.

What is the grade forgiveness policy?
According to the registrar’s website, “Beginning with Fall 2007 classes, undergraduates who earn grades of "D+", "D", "F" or "WF" may take up to two (2) undergraduate courses for a second time, on the same campus, for the purpose of grade forgiveness. There are a number of restrictions.” More information regarding the policy is available on the registrar’s website, http://registrar.sc.edu/html/grade_forgiv.stm Please be sure to contact the registrar for more information as well as your advisor.

 

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