grade point average

Definition

A numerical representation of academic performance calculated by averaging course grades, ostensibly providing an objective measure of student achievement. In reality, a reductionist metric that ignores course difficulty, grade inflation, and life circumstances while somehow determining your entire future.

Example Usage

My 3.7 GPA looks impressive until you realize half my classes were classified as 'participation-based' grade boosters.

Origin

Standardized in American higher education in the early 20th century; the 4.0 scale became dominant by mid-century

Fun Fact

The average college GPA has risen from 2.52 in 1960 to 3.15 in 2020, suggesting either students are brilliant or grade inflation is real.

Source: University registrar calculation standards

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academic advising syllabus

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