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GPA7 min read·Updated April 21, 2026

How CASPA Calculates Your GPA

CASPA reports cumulative GPA, science GPA, and several sub-GPAs that PA programs actually use. Here is how each is calculated and what gets counted.

ByAngela Woodbury·
Key Takeaways
  • CASPA reports several GPAs: cumulative, science, non-science, prerequisite (when applicable), and by year.
  • CASPA counts every course attempt — repeats do not replace grades.
  • Many PA programs weight the science GPA and prerequisite GPA more heavily than cumulative.

How CASPA Calculates GPA

CASPA recalculates your GPA from scratch using transcripts from every post-secondary institution you attended. CASPA assigns standardized credit values and converts letter grades to a 4.0 scale using its own conversion table.

CASPA does not respect grade replacement or other home-institution adjustments. Every course you ever attempted appears in your CASPA GPA.

GPA Types CASPA Reports

  • Overall GPA: All coursework you have ever taken
  • Science GPA: All biology, chemistry, physics, math, and other science courses per CASPA classification
  • Non-Science GPA: Everything else
  • By Year: Freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, postbac, graduate
  • Prerequisite GPA: When programs designate specific courses as prerequisites, CASPA tracks a separate GPA for those courses

CASPA Science Classification

CASPA classifies courses using its own subject categories. Courses are determined by the course content as listed in the catalog, not by your school\'s department.

Common CASPA science classifications include biology, chemistry (including biochemistry), physics, mathematics/statistics, and other sciences. Anatomy, physiology, microbiology, immunology, and genetics typically classify as biology. Verify your course classifications carefully after submission — misclassified courses can shift your science GPA by tenths.

How Repeats Are Counted

CASPA counts every attempt of every course. If you earned a D the first time and an A the second time, both grades factor into your verified GPA. This is the same approach used by AMCAS, AADSAS, post-2019 AACOMAS, and TMDSAS.

Special cases:

  • Withdrawal (W): Does not factor into GPA but appears on your record
  • WF (Withdraw Failing): Treated as F
  • Pass/Fail: Pass does not affect GPA; fail counts as 0.0
  • AP/IB without letter grade: Does not factor into GPA

Frequently Asked Questions

CASPA counts every college course you ever attempted — including community college, repeated courses (both grades), and any failed attempts. Your home university may exclude or replace some of these; CASPA does not.

CASPA classifies courses using its own subject categories (biology, chemistry, physics, math/statistics, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, etc.). The course title and content drive classification — not your school’s department.

CASPA reports prerequisite-specific GPAs when programs designate certain courses as prerequisites. Many programs weight this prerequisite GPA heavily in screening.

AP credits without letter grades do not factor into CASPA GPA but count toward total credits earned. Some PA programs require you to take a higher-level course in the same subject if you used AP credit for a prerequisite.

Yes. CASPA reports undergraduate and graduate GPAs separately. Programs see both. A strong graduate GPA helps demonstrate trajectory but does not replace undergraduate performance.

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About the Author

Angela Woodbury
Angela Woodbury

Co-Founder · PA School Applicant

B.S. Health SciencesCASPA Applicant 2026Co-Founder, White Coat World

Angela navigated the CASPA process in 2026 alongside building White Coat World. She writes about the experience side of healthcare applications — how to frame your hours, write personal statements, and present yourself as a well-rounded candidate.

Educational Disclaimer: White Coat World provides educational resources for pre-health students. Admissions requirements vary by institution and change each cycle. Always verify shadowing hour requirements, GPA cutoffs, and application deadlines directly with your target schools. This content is not licensed advising.