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What type of grading system do colleges use?
On the first day of class, the college professor will present a syllabus (outline or road map of the class) to 
explain topics that will be presented, responsibilities of students, and expectations for grades.  In most 
colleges, grade definitions are as follows:
A  Excellent (4 grade points earned per unit)  
B  Good (3 grade points earned per unit)
C Satisfactory (2 grade points earned per unit)
D Passing, less than satisfactory (1 grade point earned per unit)
F Failing (0 grade points earned per unit)
In addition, the following codes may be used on the report card:
I Incomplete.	  The student did not complete the class due to 	
 illness, emergency, or other reason allowed by the college.
IP  In Progress.	  The class extends beyond normal grading period or an important assignment must be 	
turned in yet before final grade can be given.	
W Withdrawal.	  Student dropped the class.	
How do I figure out my grade point average (GPA)?
Divide the number of units taken into number of grade points earned.  
Let’s do an example —
 	"A" grade (4 points) times 3 unit class = 12 grade points earned	
  "B" grade (3 points) times 4 unit class = 12 grade points earned
 "C" grade (2 points) times 3 unit class = 6 grade points earned
 "F" grade (0 points) times 2 unit class = 0 grade points earned
       Total is 	12 units	 and 	30 grade points earned  	
 Divide 12 units into 30 grade points earned to get GPA of 2.5
What types of services are offered by colleges?
Services offered include academic tutoring, personal (such as drug abuse) counseling, career planning, 
internship placement, job placement, child care, counseling for older students, veteran counseling, EOP  
(Educational Opportunity Program for first generation college and low income students, library, and study 
abroad (attend college in foreign country) programs.  Colleges may offer special courses such as paid on-
the-job training apprenticeship certificate programs in the construction trades.
How can I become involved at my college?
Students may join college clubs, athletic teams, choirs, theater productions, student 
government, college newspaper staff.  Students may join groups such as Alpha 
Gamma Sigma (for academic achievement) or Alpha Mu Gamma (foreign language 
society).  Also, students may join groups related to majors such as flying clubs, race 
car clubs, and Search & Rescue teams.  Talk to a counselor or teacher in your major 
to find out what is offered.  Enjoy your college experience by becoming involved.
Success in College	
Success in College  (page 1 of 2)

Success in College (page 2 of 2)	
QUICK CHECK:
What can I do to manage my time in college?
1) 	Use computerized or paper weekly organizer!  Enter all ALL class deadlines for essays, term papers, 	
quizzes, tests, and projects due.  Enter college holidays and special events.  	2) 	Buy a bulletin board for your 	
room and use it!  Post weekly class schedule with names and numbers of your classes, names of professors 
as well as their office hours and websites.  Post college campus map to remind you of campus layout.  Mark 
location of your classes and professors’ offices on campus map.  Post important things to remember.  
3) 	Buy your college supplies before classes start.  Your professors will expect you to be ready at the first 	
class for homework assignments.  Here are other things you can do to succeed:
1) Attend class.	  When professors do not take attendance, it is tempting to skip 	
the class to hang out with friends.  When you skip classes, you are wasting your 
money — and setting yourself up for failure.
2) Pace yourself to keep up with homework.  	It is tempting to put off 	
homework until "later," when professors do not check your homework,   When 
later comes, you will find that you cannot do all reading and homework in the 
short time remaining before the test — and, therefore, fail the test.  Think of 
college as your job.  Just like a job, complete work tasks required each day 
before enjoying your personal free time.
3) Make friends with other students in the class.	  Offer to meet in library 	
or cafeteria for study sessions to discuss class topics.  Friendships and shared 
study make learning easier and fun.  A study partner can also provide notes for classes you miss.
4) Practice control and balance in your life.	  Do not attend every party on campus when you should be 	
doing ;homework.  Do not eat junk food when it takes only a little ef fort to eat healthy food.  Do not drink 
alcohol for stress when a trip to the gym will help cure your stress and improve your body and mind.
5) Visit the Tutoring Center or Counseling Center for help 	quickly if you feel overwhelmed by the 	
demands of your homework or college social life.  These centers exist to help you earn success in college.  	  	
1. How many grade points per unit are earned for:
 a) A grade?  b) B grade?  c) F grade?
2. a) For what words do the initials "IP" stand?  
 b) What does IP on a report card mean?
3. Student's college report card showed:  A grade 	
in 5 unit class; B grade in 3 unit class; F grade 
in 2 unit class.  a) What number of grade points 
were earned?  b) How many units did this 	
 student attempt?  c) What was student's GPA?
4. List 7 services offered by colleges.
5. List 7 types of clubs or groups you may join to 	
become involved at your college.	
6. a) List 3 things you can do to manage your time 	
in college.  b) List 3 things you can post on your 
room's bulletin board.  c) When will professors 	
expect you to be prepared for homework?	
7. a) Why is it tempting to skip a college class?  
 b) What 2 things happen when you skip classes?
8. a) Why is it tempting to put off homework until 	
later?  b) What happens when later comes?  	
 c) What do you do before enjoying free time?
9. What do friendships and shared study make?
10. What 2 things does trip to the gym do for you?
11. What 2 centers do you need to quickly visit 	
when overwhelmed by homework or life?	
12. List 3 things you will do to succeed in college 	
when professors do not take roll or do not check 
homework, and only grade you by tests.	
13. If you fail a college class, will you, as the 
 college saying goes: "Try, try again" or give up?  	
Explain your answer.