Quizzes, tests, homework, projects, essays, participation, classwork: there are so many ways to grade and so many grading systems to encompass them. These range from the relatively simple point systems used by most English classes to the complex percentage-point systems used by Latin and Science Research classes. Not only do grades differ based on their systems, but it is also important to recognize that some grades are much more subjective than others. Typically, English and art classes are more subjective, while science and math classes are more objective. While difficulty levels vary, a few classes employ curves on the raw grades to keep their class averages in a more reasonable range.

It is important to know what your grades are. According to a leading education group, “Grades are viewed by teachers and potential employers for an indication of a student’s work ethic, study habit and productivity. Over time, grades are a measure of success and progress.” Knowing your grade allows you to determine what course you need to spend extra time studying for, or what part of the class is bringing your average down. There are a few different grading apps out there to track your grade. Recently, I have started to use an app on my iPhone called “Grade Tracker” by Will Tobey. It allows you to add quarters, classes, and assignments, as well as showing the individual grade down to the category of assignments for each class. In addition, it automatically converts your grade to an unweighted GPA. While it can’t curve a grade, the app can use both point or point-percentage grading systems. It also shows how each assignment affects your grade and gives some interesting charts of your progress in a class.

With the third quarter drawing to a close, knowing how your grades are determined, as well as what your current grade is, can be quite helpful to students. It allows you to better judge how to divide up your time among classes, and it reduces the appearance of any surprises on report cards. Sometimes, calculating a grade by yourself can even allow you to catch a mistake, whether on a grade slip or a report card.