Going Back to College: Frequently Asked Questions
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How Do I Calculate My Grade Point Average (GPA)?
Your grade point average (GPA) is calculated by dividing the total amount of grade points earned by the total amount of credit hours attempted. (For example: A=4 grade points; B=3 grade points; C=2 grade points; D=1 grade point.) For a handy online tool to find your current and cumulative GPA, check out our GPA Calculator.

I Attended College a Long Time Ago. Are My Credits Still Good?
Some colleges have a time limit for transferring credits from other institutions, while others have no time limit as long as you passed the course. The answer depends upon your academic major and the university you want to attend, but usually most courses (core curriculum required of all majors such as English, History, Math, and general Science) will not need to be repeated. However, programs that have changed significantly over the years because of technology and other advances (i.e., Computer Science, Engineering, and similar disciplines), may require an upgrade of skills. Have your transcript submitted for evaluation by an admissions counselor and get a credit evaluation. As the number of adults going back to school after 10 or 15 years is large and continues to grow, universities are more accustomed to accommodating these requests. For more information on transferring old college credits, see Getting Full Credit and Roll the Credits.

I Have a Bachelor's Degree, and Am Thinking about Attending Graduate School. However, I Have a Low G.P.A. How Can I Overcome This Handicap?
Although a student's GPA is found to be the most reliable predictor of success in graduate school, most universities have multiple criteria for acceptance. Admissions officers often look past GPAs to student essays, faculty recommendations, interviews, and standardized tests. If you have a low G.P.A. (below the minimum admission requirements), you need to counteract not having a high G.P.A. by scoring high on the GRE and other admissions testing, providing strong faculty recommendations, and having employment, volunteer, or internship experience in your field of study.

It'll Take Me Forever to Get a Degree, So at My Age, Why Try?
Read our inspiring feature article, My College Years, if you are attempted to be dissuaded by this thought. All those years are going to pass anyway, so isn't it better to have your degree at the end of them than not? Too, many colleges have accelerated programs that allow students to complete programs in a shorter period of time. You can also shorten the time by receiving college credit for life and work experience, or testing and cooperative education programs, which sometimes provide credit for on the job experience. Our feature articles carry many more stories about successful older students.

Where Can I Find Reviews Submitted by Students that have already taken a specific course and/or with a specific professor?
Public forums inviting feedback on student's experiences can be found on sites such as Rate My Professors, ProfEval, PickaProf, Ratings Online, and Professor Performance.

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