Does GPA Matter for Psychology Majors?

In high school and college, GPA is used to demonstrate how well you're doing academically. Your GPA can determine whether you get into college, stay in college, and progress to grad school.

Keep reading to learn more about GPA and why GPA matters for psychology majors.

What is GPA and How is it Calculated?

Grade point average, or GPA, is a number that indicates your academic performance. Generally, the highest GPA is a 4.0, although some institutions allow you to earn a higher GPA.

Your total GPA for a semester is determined by the grade you received in each course, the credit load of each course, and the total credit load for the semester.

Typically, GPA breaks down like this:

• An A is worth four points
• A B is worth three points
• A C is worth two points
• A D is worth one point
• A failing grade is not worth any points

Next, you take the points you received in the course and multiply them by the number of credits that course is worth. For example, an A in a three-credit course would be worth 12 points.

Do this for each course and add up the total number of points. Then, calculate your GPA by dividing the total points by the total number of credits taken in that semester.

While you obviously want to earn the highest grade possible, not all classes are weighted equally.

For example, if you earned an A in a one-credit course, you only receive four points. But if you earned a B in a four-credit course, you would earn 12 points.

This is why schools focus on your overall GPA rather than the GPA of specific courses. Your overall GPA gives a much better picture of your academic standing.

Does GPA Matter for Psychology Majors?

A grade point average is important for all majors, including psychology majors. If your GPA drops below a certain point, you may be unenrolled from your college or university.

This minimum GPA can vary between schools, but most commonly is set at a 2.0. Often, schools will offer probationary improvement periods for students with low GPAs.

This gives the student a chance to raise their GPA before being kicked out of school, but if they are unable to raise their GPA, they will be asked to leave.

Many psychology majors go on to pursue graduate degrees in psychology, and for this reason, GPA can be especially important.

Graduate psychology programs nearly always have a minimum GPA that you'll need to be accepted into the program. This is usually around a 3.0.

However, these programs are often highly competitive and selective. As a result, the higher the GPA you hold, the better chance you have of getting accepted into a graduate program.

Some programs may also require that you have a minimum grade, like a B-, in specific psychology courses before you can pursue a graduate education.

How to Build and Maintain Your GPA as a Psych Major

To earn a high GPA, you need to do well in your classes. Unfortunately, not everyone is naturally 'good' at school. Those with learning challenges or other obligations may find it hard to earn a high GPA as well.

There are a few tips and strategies you can utilize to help raise and maintain your GPA.

1. Choose the Right Program Format

Some students like the traditional, on-campus way of learning, but many students prefer the flexibility of online courses.

Students who work full-time or have children to care for may find online and hybrid programs especially beneficial.

Many colleges and universities offer psychology programs both on campus and online. Often, the online programs are asynchronous, meaning you don't need to log in at a set time.

By choosing the format that works best for your learning style and your other obligations, you're setting yourself up for success starting day one.

2. Choose the Right Courses

Typically, a college program will have some courses that you're required to take and other courses that you get to choose from.

You'll have some core general requirements, as well as approved courses you can choose from to fulfill your remaining general requirements.

Similarly, in your major, you'll have core psychology courses, as well as a list of electives to choose from to fulfill your credit load.

When it comes to the courses you get to choose, pick ones that you think will maintain your interest.

There's also nothing wrong with taking 'easy A' courses, especially if you have other challenging courses in your schedule.

3. Be Strategic About Your Schedule

You've already picked your format and your classes, but you're still struggling a little with your schedule. What now?

The truth is, you only have so much time and energy you can dedicate to your course load before you burn out. By being strategic with your time and energy, you can still raise your GPA.

For example, maybe you're taking four three-credit courses. Three of those are relatively easy, but one is a particular challenge.

If you put all your energy into earning an A in the difficult course, but neglect your other courses a bit and end up with Bs in those, your GPA for the semester will be about 3.25.

But if you manage your energy a little differently you get a B in your trickier class but As in all the other courses, you'll end up with a GPA of 3.75.

Being strategic with the time and energy you have allows you to raise your GPA and avoid burnout.

4. Ask for Help If You Need It

Whether you're struggling with one course or your full course load, there are options available. After all, your school wants you to stay enrolled and succeed.

There are a few different ways you can get help if you need it:

• Speak with your professors, department head, or advisor
• Work with a tutor
• Take advantage of student services
• Join a study group

If you know your GPA is slipping or is going to slip, letting your advisor or department head know that you're struggling gives them a heads-up so they can advocate on your behalf.

This can prevent you from getting dropped from the school. They can also help you put a plan in place to help you manage your course load better and raise your GPA.

GPA Matters for Psychology Majors

As a psychology major, your GPA matters, especially if you want to pursue graduate school.

With the guide above, you can choose and manage your courses in a way that will help you build and maintain a high GPA.