Understanding GPA at Johns Hopkins
At Johns Hopkins University, your GPA (Grade Point Average) reflects your academic performance based on the grades you earn in your courses. It’s a simple yet powerful number used for academic standing, honors, scholarships, and even future grad school or job applications.
Hopkins uses a 4.0 grading scale, and only letter grades earned in courses taken for credit count toward your GPA. Some classes might be graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U), and these do not impact your GPA.
Grade Scale at Johns Hopkins
| Letter Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|
| A | 4.0 |
| A− | 3.7 |
| B+ | 3.3 |
| B | 3.0 |
| B− | 2.7 |
| C+ | 2.3 |
| C | 2.0 |
| C− | 1.7 |
| D+ | 1.3 |
| D | 1.0 |
| F | 0.0 |
Only these grades factor into your cumulative GPA.
How GPA Is Calculated
The formula is straightforward:
GPA = (Total Grade Points) ÷ (Total Attempted Credits)
Example:
- If you take a 3-credit course and get an A (4.0), that’s 12.0 grade points.
- A 4-credit course with a B+ (3.3) gives you 13.2 grade points.
- Add all your grade points and divide by the total number of credits to get your GPA.
Note: S/U courses, audited courses, and transfer credits do not factor into the GPA.
Department or Program-Specific Notes
While GPA calculation is consistent across Hopkins, grading expectations can vary by school or program. For example:
- Whiting School of Engineering and Krieger School of Arts and Sciences both follow the standard 4.0 scale.
- School of Nursing and School of Medicine may use course-specific evaluation methods or pass/fail systems in select cases—but these are typically separate from undergrad GPA calculations.
- Graduate programs often have higher GPA requirements to remain in good standing (e.g., a 3.0 minimum).
Always check with your department advisor if you’re unsure about grading policies that apply to your specific major or school.
Pass/Fail and Incomplete Grades
- S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) grades do not count toward your GPA.
- Incomplete (I) grades must be resolved by a deadline or may convert to an F, which would affect your GPA.
Academic Standing and Honors
- Dean’s List: Requires a full-time student to earn a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher with no grades below a C and no Incompletes.
- Graduation honors (Latin Honors) are typically:
- Cum Laude: 3.50–3.69
- Magna Cum Laude: 3.70–3.89
- Summa Cum Laude: 3.90–4.00
Requirements for honors may differ slightly by school.
Final Thoughts
Johns Hopkins takes academic rigor seriously, but they also give students plenty of resources to succeed—tutoring, advising, mental health services, and grade appeals. Always keep tabs on your GPA, especially if you’re aiming for honors or grad school.