How is cummulative GPA calculated in college?

Question

Let us say I got a 3.0 for the first year of college, which is two semesters. If I were to get a 4.0 the first semester of the next year, would then my cummulative GPA be calculated by adding the 3.0 and the 4.0 and dividing by 3 (3 semesters)? Or do I have to wait until completing a full year? Basically, does GPA constantly be readjusted each completed semester or each year? Please explain to me.

Answer 1

Well, it's the weighted average of your scores actually. In my country we are using a credit system, so each semester you may have taken different credits. Elaborating from your examples:

1st semester, GPA = 3.0 for 16 credits

2nd semester, GPA = 3.0 for 16 credits

3rd semester, GPA = 4.0 for 14 credits

Weighted averagre = (3x16) + (3x16) + (4x14) divide by (16 + 16 +14) = 152/ 46 = 3.30

Answer 2

3.2

Answer 3

Your GPA after 1 1/2 years would be

(3 + 3 + 4) / 3  

An average GPA of 3.0 for two semesters is equivalent to getting a 3.0 for each semester, so you basically got a 3.0 3.0 4.0 when it comes time to calculate cumulative GPA.