Since a lot of people are thinking about changing colleges, majors, declaring a capped major, or otherwise doing something that requires them to keep a certain GPA, I just thought that I’d get this out since I don’t recall ever having people tell this to me when I was a freshman.

• Pluses and minuses do count, with the exception of the A+. They might not have counted in high school, but they do at Berkeley. So an A or an A+ will get you 4 grade points, an A- 3.7 grade points, a B+ 3.3 grade points, a B 3 grade points, and so on.
• The number of units count as well. Classes that are worth more units will also weigh heavier in your GPA calculation. So if you need to choose between doing well in a 4-unit class vs. a 2-unit class, it will be to your advantage to go for a higher grade in the 4-unit class.
• Classes taken on a P/NP basis will not count toward your GPA, even if you do not pass the class. However, the grade will remain on your transcript as part of your official record.
• If you receive a D or F in a class and repeat it for credit, the second grade will override the first in calculating your GPA up to 12 units of repeat credit. However, the first grade will be on your transcript as part of your official record. Some students, upon not doing well in a class, deliberately fail in order to repeat the class for credit. This is not recommended.
• If you pass a class and repeat it not-for-credit, the second grade will not be factored into your cumulative GPA but may be used to calculate prerequisite GPA when determining eligibility to declare a capped major.
• Classes taken at non-UC schools will not count toward your cumulative GPA but may be used to calculate prerequisite GPA when determining eligibility to declare a capped major.
• Courses taken at other UC schools, XB and XBW courses taken through UC Berkeley Extension, and courses taken through EAP and UCDC will count toward your GPA. This includes courses taken through FPF.

Other than that, consult with your individual college, school, and department to see what their policies are. In order to be in good standing, you are expected to maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA and take at least one class each semester toward your degree. If you are changing majors, colleges, or declaring a capped major, this GPA will not be enough.