“Can I get a 3.0?”

“What do I need to score on my next exam to raise my grade?”

“Is it possible for me to get a 4.0?”

The answers to all these questions can be found via simple mathematics. I used to regularly perform these calculations for students and sometimes even went so low as to include them on my grade sheet. One day (20 Nov., 2008 to be exact), I just became fed up with enabling students’ math avoidance.

If you are curious what you would need to achieve in order to earn a particular grade, then pay close attention. Here are the instructions:

1) Figure out what grade you would like to earn. In this case, let’s assume that you have your sights on a 4.0.

2) Consult the grade scale for the percentage of points you need in order to earn that grade. For my classes, a 4.0 is a 95% (0.95).

3) Determine the total possible points will be for the semester. You may not know the exact number, but a rough estimate will work just fine.

4) Multiply the % Required for the grade by these Total Points.

% Required * Total Points = Points for a Grade

(0.95 * Total Points = Points for a 4.0)

5) Subtract your current score from Points for a Grade.

Points for a Grade – Your Current Points = Points You Need

6) Divide the Remaining Points (points for evaluations not yet completed) by the Points You Need, and this will give you a percentage of the remaining points that you must capture in order to achieve this grade.

Remaining Points / Points You Need = Your Required Achievement

If Your Required Achievement is ≥ 1, then the grade you are determining is mathematically impossible to achieve this semester. I would advise you to carefully evaluate your past performance with respect to this number. If you have consistently scored 78% on your assignments, and you need an 82%, you are likely to achieve this with an increase in effort. If you have consistently scored 54% on your assignments, and you need a 98%, you are unlikely to achieve this result. I have seen more bizarre things than this kind of Herculean leap though, so don’t be discouraged – just keep at it.