How the UC GPA Works

The University of California calculates a special GPA for admissions using only UC-approved "a-g" courses taken in 10th and 11th grade (and the summers before each). Each grade earns points on the standard scale — A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, F = 0 — and AP, IB, and UC-approved honors courses earn one additional point per semester.

Capped vs. Uncapped

The uncapped GPA counts every honors point. The capped GPA limits honors credit to a maximum of 8 semesters (8 bonus points) — this is the number UC uses for freshman admission review. Students who take more than eight honors courses still receive all points for the uncapped GPA, but only eight count toward the capped GPA.

Eligibility Requirements

California residents need at least a 3.0 UC GPA in a-g courses to be eligible; out-of-state students need a 3.4. To even begin accumulating points, you must complete the a-g subject requirements: 2 years of history/social science, 4 years of English, 3 years of math, 2 years of laboratory science, 2 years of a language other than English, 1 year of visual/performing arts, and 1 year of a college-preparatory elective.