Average GPA at Harvard University
Harvard University maintains a highly competitive academic environment. Below is a summary of average GPAs across various faculties and student categories:
| Student Category | Average GPA |
|---|---|
| Admitted Undergraduates | 3.95 |
| Harvard Medical School Entrants | 3.9 |
Note: Specific average GPA data for admitted transfer students and current undergraduates by faculty are not publicly disclosed.
Harvard University GPA Scale
Harvard employs a 4.0 GPA scale, with letter grades corresponding to specific grade points as follows:
| Letter Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|
| A | 4.00 |
| A− | 3.67 |
| B+ | 3.33 |
| B | 3.00 |
| B− | 2.67 |
| C+ | 2.33 |
| C | 2.00 |
| C− | 1.67 |
| D+ | 1.33 |
| D | 1.00 |
| D− | 0.67 |
| E (Failing) | 0.00 |
Grades such as ABS (Absent), UNS (Unsatisfactory), and EXLD (Excluded) are equivalent to 0 grade points.
Example GPA Calculation
To illustrate how GPA is calculated at Harvard, consider the following example:
| Course | Credits | Grade | Grade Points | Total Grade Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Psychology | 4 | A− | 3.67 | 14.68 |
| Calculus II | 4 | B+ | 3.33 | 13.32 |
| Modern Literature | 4 | B | 3.00 | 12.00 |
| Chemistry Lab | 2 | A | 4.00 | 8.00 |
GPA Calculation:
- Total Credits: 4 + 4 + 4 + 2 = 14
- Total Grade Points: 14.68 + 13.32 + 12.00 + 8.00 = 48.00
- GPA: Total Grade Points ÷ Total Credits = 48.00 ÷ 14 ≈ 3.43
Harvard’s Official Grading Policy
Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) utilizes the following grading system:
- Letter Grades: A, A−, B+, B, B−, C+, C, C−, D+, D, D−, E
- Non-Letter Grades: ABS (Absent), EXC (Excused), INC (Incomplete)
The grade point average is calculated by averaging the grade points of all letter-graded courses taken for degree credit within the FAS. Courses taken pass/fail or satisfactory/unsatisfactory are not included in the GPA calculation.
Academic Policies
- Good Academic Standing: Undergraduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0. Falling below this threshold may result in academic probation or withdrawal from the program. Harvard Extension School
- Graduate Programs: Graduate students are generally required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 (B average). Specific programs may have higher GPA requirements. Harvard GSAS
- Incomplete Grades: An “INC” grade may be granted at the instructor’s discretion and must be resolved by the end of the next regular term. Harvard GSAS
FAQs
Q1: How does Harvard handle pass/fail courses in GPA calculations?
A1: Courses taken on a pass/fail basis are not included in the GPA calculation.
Q2: What happens if a student receives an “Incomplete” grade?
A2: An “INC” grade must be resolved by completing the course requirements before the end of the next regular term; otherwise, it may convert to a failing grade.
Q3: Are grades from cross-registered courses included in the GPA?
A3: Passing grades from cross-registered courses at other Harvard faculties or MIT are not included in the GPA calculation unless the grade is failing.
Further Resources
For more detailed information on Harvard’s grading policies, please refer to the Faculty of Arts and Sciences grading policies.