How does GPA work at Stanford?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
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<p>Grade</a> Point Averages (GPA)</p>

<p>I read this page and it gave a grading scale for calculating GPA. But in the top paragraph it says that GPA is not published on the transcript, and that the school does not calculate class rank. What function, then, do grades serve for Stanford undergrads?</p>

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<p>bump 10 char</p>

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<p>Good question! My GPA is on my unofficial transcript when I look it up in Axess but I don't know why they wouldn't put it on my official transcript. It may be that employers or graduate schools will simply ask you to self report your GPA. This seems likely because my Chem TA just applied to Med school and made it sound like his GPA was important to that process.<br>
However, under the "Definition of Grades" link here (Definition</a> of Grades) at the bottom it says "Note that the GPA (grade point average) and rank in class are not computed under the general University grading system. Stanford does use an internal-only GPA that is based on units completed at the time of conferral of the first bachelor's degree. This information is used for internal purposes only and is not displayed on the official transcript."
Maybe then the actual grades that appear on the transcript are all that grad schools/employers will see.
I'm sorry I don't really know the answer to your questions but will ask when I get back to school tomorrow. :)</p>

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<p>That's interesting.....the GPA as well as Stanford's going back to school tomorrow??? When did you guys get off?</p>

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<p>Or are you just going back there, not necessarily starting classes?</p>

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<p>GPA is sometimes used for things like honors, internships, programs, etc. so if you don't have, say, a 3.5 in your major, then you can't do honors for it (policies vary, of course).</p>

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<p>Finals ended Dec 12th I think and winter quarter begins Jan 6th. So, yes, classes start tomorrow.</p>

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<p>Yeah, your GPA won't appear on your official transcript, but people always ask for unofficial transcripts, where it does appear. In short, your GPA still matters, even if Stanford would like for it not to.</p>