Trying to understand the GPA calculation

Colleges & Universities San Jose State University
1

I’m a rising senior, California resident (not local to SJSU). My #1 major is Computer Engineering, and #2 is Electrical Engineering.

My calculation is as follows:

4.15 CSU Capped Weighted x 800 = 3320
4.0 Math GPA x 400 = 1600
Total: 4920 (which was the index last year)

Questions:

  1. By ‘math’ courses, do I only include standard ones like IM1, IM2, IM3, and Pre-Calc, or any course in the ‘d’ area (which also includes AP Computer Science Principles)?
  2. I wasn’t able to take any AP math courses in my sophomore or junior years because of some poor choices during middle school (I started from IM1 in my freshman year. I will be taking AP Calculus AB and AP Statistics senior year, which would likely improve my math GPA. Will first-term grades from these be factored into my math GPA for admissions purposes?
  3. Since the index increases each year, would it be a safer bet to apply primarily to Electrical Engineering (the threshold was 4800 last year)?

Thanks so much for helping out!

2

have you tried the Cal State calculator?

3

Yes, that is my GPA from the CSU calculator.

However SJSU notes that they use grades from 12th grade in addition to 10-11 grades to determine eligibility (section 4): CSU Eligibility Requirements | Admissions

I was confused whether it was used for eligibility only or also used for admissions.

4

couple of comments:

  1. Enter your High School here to see which courses are considered math.
    University of California A-G Course List
  2. Since you are very close to impaction index, you are basically counting on it being lower this year.
    Keep in mind, SJSU does not generally consider second choice major. But it is ok to pick the major you really want as first choice.
5

Yes, even the linked CSU GPA calculator states a-g grades received after 9th but in reality, if you are a Senior submitting your application by the end of November, you will probably not have any 12th grades to report as most Seniors.

CSU’s and SJSU do not ask for Mid-year transcripts as part of the admission process so there is no where to submit Senior grades although it is stated on the website.