The Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) utilizes a specific methodology to compute an applicant’s grade point average. This standardized calculation considers all undergraduate and graduate coursework, converting letter grades into a numerical scale and weighting them by credit hours. For instance, a course with a grade of ‘A’ typically earns 4.0 points, while a ‘B’ earns 3.0 points. These points are then multiplied by the number of credit hours for each course, summed across all courses, and divided by the total number of credit hours to yield a cumulative GPA.
A consistent and uniform grade assessment process is crucial for fair evaluation of candidates from diverse academic backgrounds. It eliminates discrepancies arising from varying grading systems employed by different institutions. This standardized GPA serves as a fundamental component in the holistic review process, helping admission committees assess academic performance objectively and compare applicants effectively. Historically, the implementation of such centralized systems has significantly improved the efficiency and transparency of application reviews in professional healthcare programs.
