How to Improve a Low GPA: Strategies and Study Habits

Your GPA is a numerical representation of your letter grades. The GPA scale typically ranges from zero to four, with zero representing a failing letter grade, while a four is an A. Here’s a look at what each letter grade generally translates to numerically as part of your GPA, however, these numbers can vary slightly; for example, some schools may offer above a four for an A+.

Why is your GPA important?

Your GPA is important. Graduating with a high GPA has several benefits, and a low GPA has potential consequences as well. 

Average GPAs tend to hover around 3.0. A GPA above 3.0 makes it worthwhile to include on internship applications, with a 3.5 GPA or higher being ideal and a GPA under typically 2.0 considered low. However, GPA averages can vary depending on your major since some degrees, such as engineering, sciences, and other STEM majors, are inherently challenging.

While you’re still in school, maintaining a strong GPA is important to ensure you continue to qualify for financial aid and any scholarships you may have earned. Additionally, some majors have GPA requirements, so if you fail to meet them, you could risk your status within your area of study. 

When it comes time to pursue employment after graduating, displaying a high GPA on your resume can make you more attractive to employers, while a low GPA can do the opposite. Additionally, if you decide you want to continue your education in grad school with a master’s degree, or even a PhD, you will likely find programs expecting at least a 3.0 GPA for a master’s program, with more competitive schools requiring a 3.5 or higher. A 3.3 GPA is typically the minimum expected for enrolling in a PhD program.

Read more: 11 Good Study Habits to Develop

How to calculate your GPA

The formula for calculating your GPA is fairly straightforward. Take the number of credits you will earn for taking a course and multiply it by your grade, then divide it by the number of credits earned. Here’s an example of how this works:

If you take a math class worth three credits and get an A, which equates to 4.00 on the scale, the GPA calculation would look like this: 3 x 4.00 / 3 = 4.00 GPA. 

Let’s look at an example for calculating your GPA over multiple courses. Assume the first class is worth five credits and you earned a B+, while the second class was three credits and you earned a C:

(5 x 3.33) + (3 x 2.00) / 5 + 3 = 2.83 GPA

7 strategies for how to improve a low GPA

By applying some effective strategies, it is possible to raise your GPA. The sooner you start taking action to improve your GPA, the better, as earning good grades while you’re yet to accumulate a significant amount of credits means that your improvements will have a more drastic impact than if you were to wait until later semesters. Follow these useful strategies to start raising your GPA.

1. Use a GPA calculator to plan future courses.

By using a GPA calculator, you can take a look at your current GPA and understand exactly what grades you need moving forward to reach your GPA goals. For example, if you currently have a 2.60 GPA but wish to raise it to a 3.00 by graduation, you can find out what grades you need to earn in upcoming courses.

2. Understand why your GPA is low.

You can begin to fix a low GPA if you first know what’s causing it. Getting a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses academically can be a great way to put yourself in a position to succeed while also providing an opportunity to address some of those weaknesses that may be holding you back.

3. Reduce your course load.

Perhaps you’re putting too much pressure on yourself with a massive course load. If this sounds like you, consider slowing down to give each course more attention. One approach to this problem is to take a course or two over the summer to lighten your load in the fall and spring semesters.

4. Attend your classes.

Showing up consistently to your classes is a great way to start making improvements to your GPA if you aren’t attending class regularly. It’s not uncommon for class participation to count towards your grade, so just by showing up and involving yourself in discussions, you can help raise your low GPA.

5. Plan out your study time.

It’s important to set aside regular time to focus on studying. Breaking your study sessions into smaller periods leading up to a test is far more effective than retaining as much information as possible the day before. Try forming a study group with some classmates to help motivate yourself to study or if you dislike studying alone.

6. Work with your professor.

Conversation with your professor can be a great step toward figuring out what you need to do to improve your performance in your class. You can ask for clarification on any challenging material, and your professor will likely appreciate that you’re trying to succeed in their class.

7. Take detailed notes.

Taking high-quality notes is beneficial, as is using them as study material later on. By taking notes during class you will be more successful in retaining the information, as well as helping you to focus. To take quality notes in class, it’s helpful to sit somewhere you can see and hear the professor, so consider sitting in the front row.

Additional strategies

It can also be helpful to know that if you choose to withdraw from a course, that grade doesn’t count toward your GPA. Additionally, if you take the same course multiple times, rather than both grades counting, only the higher grade will be. 

If your GPA doesn’t get as high as you ultimately were hoping for and it comes up in future interviews, being honest and taking accountability can help demonstrate that it doesn’t accurately reflect your current work habits or that you had specific challenging circumstances working against you.

Boost your skills with Coursera

On Coursera, you can find highly rated courses where you can develop skills that can help you find success in your academic career. For instance, Study Skills for University Success from the University of California, Irvine can help you learn to develop proper study habits, take good notes, and communicate with professors.

Additionally, Learning How to Learn: Powerful Mental Tools to Help You Master Tough Subjects can help you develop learning techniques so that you can improve your memorization ability and develop productive learning habits.