Understanding GPA at the University of Virginia
At the University of Virginia—often casually called UVA—your GPA is more than just a number. It reflects your academic performance throughout your courses and plays a critical role in honors designations, scholarships, and post-graduate opportunities. Let’s break it all down so you know exactly how it works.
How GPA is Calculated at UVA
UVA uses a 4.0 GPA scale, where each letter grade corresponds to a specific number of grade points. To calculate your GPA, multiply the number of grade points by the number of credit hours for each course, then divide the total grade points by the total number of credit hours attempted.
UVA calculates grade point averages to the thousandths place, which means your GPA can show up as something like 3.678.
UVA Grade Scale
Here’s the standard grade-to-GPA conversion chart used at UVA:
| 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: UVA does not award 4.3 for an A+, unlike some schools. So A and A+ are treated equally at 4.0.
Pass/Fail and Non-GPA Courses
Some courses are graded on a Credit/No Credit or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis. These grades do not affect your GPA. However, certain conditions must be met for these courses to count toward degree requirements. Make sure to double-check with your school or program before electing the option.
GPA Variations by School or Department
UVA is made up of several colleges and professional schools, and some have unique grading practices or GPA thresholds. Here are a few highlights:
School of Engineering and Applied Science
- Requires a minimum 2.0 GPA in both overall and major-specific courses to remain in good standing.
College of Arts & Sciences
- Academic probation is triggered if a student’s cumulative GPA falls below 1.8.
McIntire School of Commerce
- Heavily GPA-sensitive for entry; applicants often need 3.6+ GPA for a competitive shot.
School of Nursing
- Students must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA and earn minimum grades in clinical coursework.
These thresholds don’t necessarily affect how GPA is calculated, but they absolutely affect academic standing, eligibility for programs, and continuation in your major.
GPA and Honors
UVA awards Latin honors based on cumulative GPA at the time of graduation:
| Honor | Minimum GPA |
|---|---|
| Cum Laude | 3.400 |
| Magna Cum Laude | 3.600 |
| Summa Cum Laude | 3.800 |
Note: Some schools within UVA may set even higher GPA requirements or additional criteria for honors.
Final Tips
- Withdrawals (W) and incompletes (IN) do not affect your GPA.
- Repeated courses are factored in differently depending on the school; usually, both attempts count unless specifically replaced.
- Stay in contact with your academic advisor if you’re unsure how a course will impact your GPA.