<p>Thank you for your detailed reply, pearls_before. It is such a big relief! Can you just elaborate on two things?</p>
<p>In our system, participation is important and it is always commented in the school report. But as far as grades are concerned, they are always calculated based on the actual marks that you gained in assignments, tests and exams. So at Bates, roughly what % of grades is based on participation?</p>
<p>As for off-campus study, what level of GPA is expected?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>