Caltech
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How California Institute of Technology calculates GPA

California Institute of Technology (California) calculates GPA as a credit-weighted average: multiply each course's grade points by its credits, add them up, and divide by total credits. The detail that matters is the grade scale.

The Caltech grade scale — what makes it specific

A+ rule: Caltech uses a 4.3 scale: A+ = 4.3 (above 4.0), F = 0.0. There is no D-.

Failing grade: California Institute of Technology uses "F" for a failing grade (0.0).

Repeated courses & grade replacement

When a course is repeated the original grade remains; F* (pass/fail fail) is excluded from the GPA. Up to six E (incomplete-style) grades are allowed.

Academic standing

Distinctive: a Caltech student's first two terms are graded Pass/Fail only — no GPA is computed until the third term. Minimum 1.9 GPA per term and overall.

Good to know

Caltech uses a 4.3 scale (A+ = 4.3) like Cornell and Stanford, with no D-. Its big distinctive feature: first-year students are graded Pass/Fail for their first two terms, so no GPA exists until the third term. The minimum GPA to continue or graduate is just 1.9. 'P' for first-years and 'F*' (pass/fail fails) don't enter the GPA.

Need to plan ahead? Use the target GPA planner to find the grades you need, or the final grade calculator for a single class. International student? See CGPA to US GPA (WES).