No More 4-point Scale GPA

As now approved by the Education committee of the Board and starting with 2009-2010 transcripts, we will only report a GPA on a 0 to 100 numerical scale (e.g. 88.5 or 96.4). Below are answers to a few of the questions this may raise.

1. How is this different from what we do now?
Currently, we report both a 4-point scale GPA and a 100-point scale GPA on student transcripts. Next year, we will not have a GPA based on a 4-point scale GPA.

2. Why is the change being made?
Essentially, right now we have two parallel grading scales. We feel that the 100-point scale gives a more accurate picture of a student's achievement at Walker because their grade is not simplified to four categories. Under a 4-point scale, a grade of 80 counts the same as a grade of 86.

Additionally, a 4-point scale more severely penalizes students who fall on the low side of a grade cutoff. As a quick and admittedly extreme example, suppose a student earns 3 grades of 98, 98, and 89. Under our 4-point system, his/her GPA would be a 3.75. Under our 100-point scale, his/her average would be a 95.

3. How will colleges view this change?
First, most colleges prefer the 100-point scale because of the more accurate picture it gives of a student's performance. Additionally, if a school would like to have a student's grades in a 4-point scale, then they will most likely calculate that on their own or we will provide one if asked.

4. When will this change take effect?
This change takes effect next year, beginning with the Class of 2010.

If there are other questions you have about this change that have not been answered above, please contact either Michael Arjona, Upper School Academic Dean.