What Is Grade Point Average (GPA)?

For those people who have the question what is GPA in their mind, and are clueless about what does it mean and stand for, GPA (Grade Point Average) is the method by which the standing and overall performance of student in school, generally from middle school through college, is computed. In calculating your GPA, you must be aware that every semester, you will be receiving a GPA based on the grades you gained in all of your subjects during that semester. However, one must put in mind that the way in which GPA is computed or calculated, and the particular ins and outs of evaluating the standing or performance of a certain student may be unique to a single school or even a country.

The Importance of GPA

1. For those people who aren't that familiar with the importance of GPA, and still ask what is GPA, even before college, the GPA is considered a determining factor whether or not one is qualified to take Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses while you are still in you junior and senior years of high school.

2. For admission, all colleges and universities consider your GPA and even your class rank which is being determined by the calculated GPA. So this only means, the higher your GPA, the better you're your chances of getting into the University of your Choice.

3. If you want to obtain an academic or athletic scholarship, the major consideration that the school will look at is your GPA. The same case with financial aid.

If you're a student, it is very essential that as early as possible, you start improving your GPA for you can't wait until your junior or senior year to start being concerned and troubled about your cumulative GPA. Every class you attend during your high school years gets averaged in, so your first and second year grades are just as important. If you put a full effort and study hard during the first two years, there's a big tendency to graduate with an above average GPA which is good.

A little planning along with hard work during high school years can definitely help you earn and obtain a satisfying cumulative GPA later on and can surely make a difference by the time when you will send in your college applications. Study hard in during your freshmen and sophomore years for this will raise your chances of admission to AP, IB, honors or even an accelerated course. Studying hard is your key to a higher GPA because they are frequently given more weight on the GPA scale. One must inculcate in mind that a low GPA prevents anyone from getting into college; some four-year colleges necessitate a 3.0 or higher for admission. Don't relax once you receive your acceptance letter. Remember that your future college will continue to monitor your performance through the end of your senior year and expect a final transcript. For some who wonder what is GPA, it is a ticket for a better future!

The Current Placement System of Delhi University Needs an Overhaul!

This year, during the admissions of Undergraduates in Delhi University (DU) Colleges one significant remark echoed over students and parents "Please choose course over college. It is a rational long term benefactor for the student's future" source: - HTcampus. This made me go back to the days of my admission in DU three years back, the same idea had struck me, I had been delayed for the admissions in Delhi University colleges as I was lagging behind the cut off percentage criteria in the North Campus Colleges (DU). With more conviction on the curricula and my diligence, the prospects of a better tomorrow were the least ambivalent.

Soon I realized that my hopes were meant to be dashed between the systemic stragglers and status quo. I cared about the code of conduct, but failed to understand the logic of 'policy of non-engagement'. To explain further, the colleges with no administrative framework for placements and market-association justified the status quo as a policy measure. Can someone explain the reasoning of policies which precede a 'flawed' practice over merit? The rationale for evaluating colleges as good or not-so-good (affiliated to the same University) is the systems in place which give opportunity for experimenting a young mind's prowess and specialization, viz. to take it a 'step further' from the rectangular pages or virtual learning to the social practice.

In spirit of the subject, I would like to suggest the anomalies and remedial measures in the placement procedure in practice with colleges which do not have a separate college placement cell in position:

1.) Colleges associating with the Central Placement Cell of the University should opt for a standardized layout of updates, company profiles and other relevant information. The current system is defective with indirect communication and irregularities. For example, the students do not get an official notification on the company profile, dates of interview, recruitment rules etc. from the college. In most of the cases, the interested students have been asked to trail the selection procedure and apply on their own. College endorsement is minimal.

2.) Colleges should encourage a 'positive' preparatory ambiance for young aspirants. There is no workshop/ seminar/ lectures by the prospective company representatives, being organized by the college administration. Kept voluntary, it should be an integral part of the college annual diary of events.

3.) The location is a matter of concern and tangent prejudice, with companies preferring to come to North campus colleges for selection of candidates. There should be a fair representation of the South Campus colleges by the companies opting to come to the campus for placements. This would be huge plus for the students with a positive learning experience.

4.) Colleges should ensure that the meritorious candidates shall be rewarded aptly by giving them a fair chance to prove their aptitude. This would rule out no mid-term dejection's and inter college transfers for the talented. The foundation of course over college would then be well-placed!

5.) Making an extended branch of Central Placement Cell (CPC), North campus in the South campus as well where all the students who are not able to appear in CPC North Campus will stand a fair chance to get to appear and get placed with equal standings.