What is your GPA?

Do you know your ESU grade point average (GPA)? It is important for you to know what your GPA is so you can make appropriate choices regarding class selections. You can access your unofficial transcript by logging onto Buzz-in or by requesting a copy from the Transcript office in Plumb Hall.

Repeating Courses and GPA

As you review your transcript, see if there are courses you need to repeat. Repeating courses is one of the fastest ways to improve your GPA and remove yourself from probation. The repeat policy at ESU allows for your GPA to be affected only by the most recent grade in any course. For example, if you have an "F" in Sociology 101, and you repeat it and earn an "A", your GPA will reflect only the "A" grade.

Note: If you repeat a class and earn a lower grade, the lower grade will be used in your GPA calculation.

Be judicious about repeating courses since they will count into your credits attempted calculation for Financial Aid and may have an impact that is not advantageous.

GPA Calculator

You need to earn at least a 2.00 GPA for the semester you are on probation. You can access your mid-term grades through your Buzz-in account. If you are unsure of your grade or a professor does not submit a mid-term grade, contact him/her to see where you stand and use the GPA calculator to estimate your semester GPA.

If your estimation results in a semester GPA below a 2.00, consider your options:

• Withdrawal from class or classes.
• Look into tutoring options.
• Devote more time to studying the material.
• Less socializing
• Less family time
• Fewer work hours

See your academic advisor to discuss options and possible consequences of any action!

Reduce Your Credit Load

As you review your transcript, see if there is a pattern of attempting a full load, but only completing a part-time load. If so, consider 3/4 or 1/2 enrollment for the next semester. Assess the reality of your situation: if you are consistently failing or withdrawing from courses, make an adjustment to courseload, at least for a while. Remember, you can get Financial Aid (grants and loans, and work study) even if you are taking less than a full-time credit load!

Major and General Education Progress

As you review your transcript, also review your Major Requirements and General Education Requirements by looking at your curriculum guide. Meet with your academic advisor in the Student Advising Center to make sure you understand the degree requirements for the major you have chosen. Consider the following questions: What courses do I need to take? In what order should I take the courses? Are there admissions requirements to the major toward which I need to make progress?

Duplicating Requirements

As you review your transcript, pay attention to the general education requirements you have completed. Assess which general education requirements are needed for your degree and understand which courses will meet those requirements. Make a long range plan regarding the courses you will take, and when will you take them.

If you have transfer course work, check with your academic advisor to see if those courses satisfy any ESU requirements.

Progress Toward Degree Completion

As you review your transcript and plan which classes to take, pay attention to your graduation requirements. Understand how many credits you need to graduate (typically, 124, but sometimes more); the categories of classes you need to complete for your degree (i.e., major, general ed, minor, admission, elective, etc.), the number of upper division credits you need (typically, 36 upper division which are the 300 and 400 level courses), and the limitations for certain classes (e.g. classes only offered in the fall or spring semester).