<p>UW-Madison- varies. Lower gpa for freshmen in L&S, then much higher. So the second semester a student may jump from freshman status and therefore need a higher gpa than another first year student without AP credits (3.75, 3.85??? with A, AB, B, BC… grading). So much more than a gpa- choosing the number of credits, the level of course difficulty, taking courses outside of requirements… One AB in a course totally outside of field related to major could take one off the Dean’s List. I would rather my child went outside of his comfort zone than just get the A’s. Better to be that math/science major taking upper level courses with Lit et al majors in their field and get a lesser grade. No S, M, C Laude degrees- various Honors designations instead. I believe there are “with distinction” for high gpa’s overall and in the major which are lesser than Honors as well. Honors credit can be earned in courses at all levels in all majors in L&S, it is not just a set of introductory courses. Other UW schools/colleges- varies as well.</p>