What is the average GPA at Caltech?

<p>Thank you G2sus4m6aug11b15 and yang, I appreciate the responses! The reason why I am asking is that I will lose my UCSD admission if my GPA goes under 3.5, and while I don't want GPA to be my main concern at Caltech, I also don't want to blow it off.</p>

<p>Are GPAs out of 4.0 or 5.0, like at MIT?</p>

<p>4.3. A = 4.0, A+=4.3</p>

<p>And an A- is a 3.7...</p>

<p>Most people get more of those than A+s, that's for sure. :D</p>

<p>Can I ask how you are enjoying the bio program there? Any courses that you'd really recommend?? I'm hoping to apply for an exchange in 3rd yr. I'm currently at uni in bio in the UK</p>

<p>Sorry, the above post was for Yang.</p>

<p>In one class, what is the percentage, on average, of people getting A+? A? and A-?</p>

<p>Any info about any class regarding the question above are welcome. Thank you!</p>

<p>Depends on the class.
You don't need to bump within a few minutes of the original post.</p>

<p>I don't think there's much data for A-, A, and A+s. Honestly, it doesn't matter at that level. Some classes don't give A+s (or give them extremely rarely) and most people I've talked to here have never gotten an A+ while here. On the other hand, a few people seem to get a lot of A+s and get more than a 4.0. Chances are, it's not worth the amount of effort it would take. Also, putting a lot of pressure on yourself to get good grades might do more harm than good.</p>

<p>Stats last year for some common third-term frosh classes (yay! no p/f!):</p>

<p>Bi 1: 34% A 51% B 13% C 2% D/F
Ma 1c: 50% A 39% B 9% C 1% D/F
Ph 1c: 44% A 42% B 12% C 2% D/F</p>

<p>Common first-term s'more classes:</p>

<p>Ph 2a: 36% A 47% B 15% C 2% D/F
Ma 2a: 51% A 42% B 5% C 1% D/F
ACM 95a: 41% A 48% B 10% C
Ch 41a: 27% A 43% B 30% C
Ph 12a: 25% A 51% B 16% C 8% D/F</p>

<p>Yeah, so they're pretty darn generous with the curve, with the exception of maybe Ch 41 (organic chemistry) and Ph 12 (waves.) But usually, if someone's failing a course, they'll drop it before the term is through. It's also generally pretty easy to avoid failing a course if you do your work and don't take a course schedule that's too hard for you to handle.</p>

<p>UndulyLlamarific, where do you get this data? I have been looking for these.</p>

<p>It's on Donut. I think you have to be a student to get on it... donut.caltech.edu</p>

<p>Dear Techers,</p>

<p>Umm...regarding the Donut, I have a favor to ask. Could you Techers please look for me the grade distribution data for these classes (I am a newly admitted student, trying to get much info): Ch21 ab, ChE 103 abc, ChE 101, CDS 110a, APh 114 ab, and ChE 189. </p>

<p>I really appreciate your help Techers. Thanks a lot.</p>

<p>Ch 21ab: 41% A 46% B 13% C
ChE 103abc: 45% A 50% B 5% C
Ch 101: 33% A 67% B (sample size of six)
CDS 110a: 40% A 24% B 27% C 8% D/F
APh 114ab: 23% A 77% B
ChE 189: 25% A 50% B 25% C (sample size of four)</p>

<p>Keep in mind that the grade distribution in a course in no way tells you how difficult the material is or how much work you will end up spending on a class. For example, I've been told that Ph 236 (Relativity) is the hardest course Caltech offers. Yet, if you look at the grade distribution, everyone has either taken it on Pass/Fail or gotten an A. It's basically graded on A/Pass/Drop. Many other classes where people get a lot of As are a TON of work. Just ask lizzardfire - 90% of the people who took EE 51 on grades this year got an A. They were still crying in the lab at 3 am every Saturday morning.</p>

<p>Thanks UndulyLlamarific. Yeah...I heard EE students in Caltech suffer the most.</p>

<p>I'm crying over 52 at the moment.</p>

<p>Good luck lizzardfire!</p>

<p>Haha I'm just kidding. I'm doing fine... the class does suck up a lot of time though.</p>

<p>EE students suffer the most.. <em>ouch</em></p>

<p>That's not necessarily true... but I would definitely put them in the top three...</p>