GPA Calculation at UC Irvine: A Clear Guide
Whether you’re trying to get off academic probation or aiming for Latin honors, understanding how your GPA works at UC Irvine is essential. Let’s walk through the essentials of how grades are assigned, calculated, and what you should watch out for.
How UC Irvine Calculates GPA
UC Irvine uses the standard 4.0 GPA scale, with letter grades that correspond to grade points. Your Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of units attempted for a letter grade.
Here’s the formula they use:
GPA = Total Grade Points / Total Attempted Units
Only UC units attempted for a letter grade (A+ through F) are included. Pass/No Pass (P/NP) and Incomplete (I) grades do not affect your GPA.
UC Irvine Grade Scale
| Letter Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|
| A+ | 4.0 |
| 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 |
| D− | 0.7 |
| F | 0.0 |
Note: A+ earns the same 4.0 as an A—it’s more of a bragging right than a boost!
Special Grade Symbols
- P/NP (Pass/No Pass): Not included in GPA but counts toward unit totals.
- I (Incomplete): Not included in GPA until completed.
- W (Withdrawn): Does not affect GPA but stays on the transcript.
- NR (No Report): Temporary placeholder—replaced once the instructor submits a grade.
Departmental GPA Variations
There are no major-wide grading curve mandates at UC Irvine, but grading policies and rigor can vary by department and professor. For example:
- Engineering and Physical Sciences: Known for strict grading and heavy curves.
- Humanities and Social Sciences: Tend to have more essay-based grading, which can be subjective.
Check your course syllabi for specifics, as some departments also have internal GPA requirements (especially for major eligibility or honors).
Honors & GPA Thresholds
UC Irvine recognizes academic excellence through honors based on your UC GPA (courses taken within the UC system only):
- Cum Laude: GPA of 3.50–3.74
- Magna Cum Laude: GPA of 3.75–3.89
- Summa Cum Laude: GPA of 3.90–4.00
Each school may slightly adjust these depending on class rank percentiles, so always check with your academic counselor.
Tips to Stay on Top of Your GPA
- Repeat courses: You can repeat up to 16 units for grade replacement (where only the higher grade counts in GPA).
- Check degree audits regularly via StudentAccess to track GPA.
- Don’t overload with P/NP courses—you need enough letter-graded units for GPA-based recognitions.