* The Standard 10-Point Scale: This is probably the most common scale, though the precise letter grade cutoffs vary slightly. A typical example:
* A (90-100%): Excellent
* B (80-89%): Good
* C (70-79%): Average
* D (60-69%): Passing, but below average
* F (Below 60%): Failing
* Variations on the 10-Point Scale: Many colleges might adjust these percentages slightly. For example, an A might start at 92% instead of 90%, or a B might end at 87% instead of 89%.
* Plus/Minus Grading: Many institutions use a plus/minus system, offering finer distinctions within each letter grade. This would look like:
* A+, A, A-
* B+, B, B-
* C+, C, C-
* D+, D, D-
* F
* Pass/Fail (P/F): Some colleges allow students to take certain courses Pass/Fail, where a passing grade earns a "P" and a failing grade earns an "F." This is often used for elective courses and doesn't impact GPA calculation in the same way as letter grades.
* Other Systems: Some institutions might use a numerical grading system (e.g., 0-100) or a different letter grading scale altogether.
To find the specific grading scale for a particular college or university:
* Check the university's website: Look for an academic calendar, student handbook, or registrar's office information. These documents usually detail the grading system.
* Contact the registrar's office: If you can't find the information online, contact the registrar's office directly. They will be able to provide the definitive answer.
* Review the syllabus: Each professor usually outlines the grading scale for their specific course on the syllabus. While this won't represent the university's overall scale, it's relevant to your grade in that particular class.
In short, always check the specific college or university's guidelines to know their exact grading scale.