What does '4.0 student' stand for?

[gonghoujun]

Dear Teacher,
I have read the sentence as follows:
You're never going to be a 4.0 student, no matter how hard you try, unless you can look at yourself in the mirror and say, "I am a 4.0 student!"
What does '4.0 student' stand for? Please explain. Thanks.

[probus]

It is a reference to Grade Point Average (GPA), an American system of ranking the success of university students. We did not have that system in my day, but I think that a 4.0 student is a very good student.

[Drear Pooson]

Not a teacher.

Grade Point Average is the weighted average of a student's grades (on a four-point scale) in the various courses he has completed (in a term or a year or over an academic career); i.e., a student who has earned all A's has a 4.0 GPA and is a 4.0 student.



DP

[probus]

Well yes, but I have heard there has been some manipulation of the system whereby students can get up to 4.2 or 4.3. I repeat I have no detailed knowledge of these matters.

[Drear Pooson]

(Not a teacher.)

Some institutions will assign more than four points to an A+. (Other schools' highest grade is an A.)

Also, some high schools will "pad" the grade points of "honors" classes apparently because students taking the more difficult classes felt they were being put at a disadvantage when applying to colleges when their GPAs were compared to those of other applicants who had taken easier classes.

Regardless, your original point stands: a 4.0 student is a very good student.



DP

[SoothingDave]

Yes, in my high school those taking "honors" classes (advanced classes) would earn 5 for an A, 4 for a B. Instead of 4=A, 3=B, etc.

[gonghoujun]

Thank you very much for your kind/good reply!