How GPA Is Defined at Wake Forest University
At Wake Forest University, grade point average (GPA) measures academic performance using a 4.00 scale. GPA is calculated by dividing the total quality points earned by the total number of credit hours attempted in graded courses. Only courses assigned standard letter grades are included in GPA calculations.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students earning letter grades at Wake Forest University | Courses completed with a Pass grade under the Pass/Fail option |
| Students calculating semester or cumulative GPA | Audit courses |
| Students using the official Wake Forest grading scale | Transfer courses not assigned Wake Forest grades |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
- Enter each course’s official credit hours.
- Use the final letter grade recorded by Wake Forest University.
- Exclude courses graded Pass/Fail if a Pass was earned.
- Include only courses graded by Wake Forest University.
This calculator is intended to match Wake Forest University’s semester and cumulative GPA calculations as recorded by the Registrar.
Types of GPA Reported at Wake Forest University
Wake Forest University officially reports:
- Semester GPA, reflecting performance in a single academic term.
- Cumulative GPA, reflecting performance across all graded terms.
Not all students may see all GPA types, depending on program and enrollment status.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA is calculated using all Wake Forest undergraduate courses that receive letter grades. Courses completed under the Pass/Fail option that receive a Pass do not affect GPA. Failed Pass/Fail courses may be included depending on grading designation.
Faculty / School GPA Distinctions
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wake Forest College | Yes | 4.00 scale | Pass/Fail courses with Pass do not affect GPA |
| School of Business | Yes | 4.00 scale | Same grading scale as Wake Forest College |
Official GPA Scale
Wake Forest University’s official undergraduate grade-to-point scale:
| 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 |
| F | 0.00 |
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Courses with letter grades A–F | Pass/Fail courses with Pass earned |
| Repeated courses (highest grade counted) | Audit courses |
| Failed Pass/Fail courses, if designated | Withdrawn courses |
Miscounts most often occur when Pass/Fail or audit courses are mistakenly included.
How Course Units Affect GPA at Wake Forest University
Each course’s credit hours determine its weight in the GPA calculation. Courses with more credit hours contribute proportionally more to total quality points than lower-credit courses.
How GPA Is Calculated
Official Formula:
GPA = Total Quality Points ÷ Total Graded Credit Hours
Example:
- 3 credits × A (4.00) = 12.00 quality points
- 4 credits × B+ (3.33) = 13.32 quality points
- 3 credits × B (3.00) = 9.00 quality points
Total quality points = 34.32
Total graded credits = 10
GPA = 3.432
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
Wake Forest University allows certain courses to be repeated. When a course is repeated, only the highest grade earned is used in GPA calculations, although all attempts remain on the academic transcript.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Not all transcripted grades affect GPA. Pass grades, audit notations, and some administrative grades may appear on transcripts without contributing to GPA calculations.
Graduate GPA
Graduate programs at Wake Forest University calculate GPA using a 4.00 scale, but grading symbols, minimum GPA requirements, and academic standing rules vary by program. Graduate GPA policies are governed by the Graduate School and individual program regulations.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including Pass/Fail Pass grades in GPA calculations
- Forgetting to weight grades by credit hours
- Mixing undergraduate and graduate grading scales
- Assuming all transcripted courses affect GPA
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Wake Forest University use a 4.0 GPA scale?
Yes. Wake Forest University calculates GPA using a 4.00 scale with defined grade points for each letter grade.
Are Pass/Fail courses included in GPA?
Courses completed with a Pass under the Pass/Fail option do not affect GPA calculations.
How do repeated courses affect GPA at Wake Forest?
When a course is repeated, only the highest grade earned is included in GPA calculations, though all attempts appear on the transcript.
Is GPA calculated separately for each semester?
Yes. Wake Forest calculates both a semester GPA and a cumulative GPA.
Do graduate courses affect undergraduate GPA?
No. Graduate coursework follows separate GPA policies and does not affect undergraduate GPA.
Related Official University Links
- Wake Forest University Undergraduate Bulletin – Examinations and Grading
https://bulletin.wfu.edu/undergraduate/procedures/exams-grading/ - Wake Forest University Graduate Bulletin – Grading Policies
https://bulletin.wfu.edu/graduate/procedures/grading/ - Wake Forest University Registrar – Academic Records
https://registrar.wfu.edu/
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based on publicly available Wake Forest University academic and registrar documentation. Official GPA calculations shown on student transcripts issued by the University Registrar govern all academic determinations.