Like most schools in the U.S., Ohio State uses an A – E letter grading system (A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, E). An A is the strongest grade you can achieve, and an E is a failing grade.
At the end of each semester you can calculate your “GPA”—your Grade Point Average. If you get “straight As” (nothing less than an A) your GPA would be a 4.0, the best you could achieve. If you failed all of your classes your GPA would be a 0.0. To be accepted into some majors, you must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. If you have a 2.0 GPA or lower, you will be placed on academic probation.
Most students, particularly international students, feel great pressure to earn good grades. This is not misplaced—grades are important insomuch as they reflect how hard you have worked, and how much you have learned. However, it can be a mistake to place too much importance on your GPA. In the end it will be more worth your while to earn a B+ in a challenging course, which exposes you to new and interesting ideas, than an A in an easy, less intellectually exciting class.
Take a moment to consult this page of the College of Arts & Sciences website, for more detailed information on Ohio State’s grading and credit hour system: http://artsandsciences.osu.edu/current-students/advising/manage-your-degree/grades.
Photo credit: Syed Abdul Khaliq