Grading System | Penn State Office of the University Registrar (2024)

FAQs

Is the grading system accurate? ›

Today, as schools combat post-pandemic learning gaps, it's become even clearer that traditional grades are not precise communicators of learning. In some cases, this leads parents to believe their kids are performing at grade level, when in reality they're falling behind.

Grading Scale

A = 95 to 100, A- = 90 to 94.99, B+ = 87 to 89.99, B = 83 to 86.99 B- = 80 to 82.99, C+ = 77 to 79.99, C = 70 to 76.99.

The meaning of each grade is as follows: A, A–, excellent; B+, B, and B–, good; C+ and C, competent; C–, continuation competency (the student has achieved the level of proficiency needed for the course to satisfy prerequisite requirements); D+, D, and D–, passing, but performance is not adequate to take any subsequent ...

However, when it comes to college grades, the grade point average (GPA) will directly represent overall performance. Getting a C, which is anywhere between 70% and 79% will definitely affect your GPA. D is the lowest passing grade in college. It may be a passing grade but it is not a good grade.

C - this is a grade that rests right in the middle. C is anywhere between 70% and 79% D - this is still a passing grade, and it's between 59% and 69% F - this is a failing grade.

1 KeAndre Lambert-Smith.

However, there are some schools that consider a C the lowest passing grade, so the general standard is that anything below a 60% or 70% is failing, depending on the grading scale. In college and universities, a D is considered to be an unsatisfactory passing grade.

Most colleges and universities generally consider a "D" (or a 60% to 69% score) as a passing grade. It's important to note that this minimum or lowest passing grade standard can significantly vary depending on the institution or major. For instance, some universities may require a "C" or better to pass.

The letter Z is used to indicate that a grade was not properly received and/or recorded for a course. Note: No grade points are allowed for grades F, I, NP, P, PR, NPR, W, or Z. A complete record of all previously used grades and grading systems is detailed on the official transcript. Grade.

Is a 66 an F? ›

You'll usually need to receive a letter grade between A and D to pass a class, often the numerical equivalent of 65 percent or higher. Receiving an F—which stands for “fail”—indicates that you did not pass the class. The cutoff to receive an F is usually 64 percent.

Non-credit. " N" grades do not count toward a. student's degree, grade point average or academic progress for purposes of financial aid eligibility.

* D (Poor): Indicates the student may not have achieved the minimal level of comprehension in carrying a more advanced course for which this course is a specific prerequisite. In addition, a grade of D may not satisfy some major degree requirements.

M- Consistently meets and applies grade-level standard independently. A student earning an “M” demonstrates expected understanding of grade-level standards and requires minimal support.

At most schools, a D is the lowest passing grade. That means students who earn a D or higher receive credit for the course. However, some schools set special policies around D grades. For example, at Lehigh, a D counts as a passing grade but does not meet prerequisite requirements.

But they're notoriously subjective. The state Education Code gives teachers the authority to issue grades, but it doesn't specify how those grades should be determined. Some teachers grade on a curve, with only a set number of students earning A's or B's, while others are more lax.

B+ (75-79%): Work of this standard is competent and methodical, indicating a clear understanding of the topic and an ability to critically engage with the debates in the field of inquiry.

Translating to letter grades, 60% is considered a D. While most universities consider that a passing grade, it can seriously impact your GPA. It can put you on probation and if you receive financial aid, it can affect that.

Good grades signal an ability to learn, and that is one of many qualities for which colleges and employers are looking. However, grades are not the only sign, and in fact once grades are deemed good enough, many factors will trump them in determining success.