Use this free CASPA GPA calculator to see every GPA physician assistant programs actually screen on — your science GPA (sGPA), non-science GPA, BCP GPA, and overall cumulative GPA — calculated the exact way CASPA does. It applies CASPA’s official grade values, converts quarter hours to semester hours, counts every repeated course, and classifies each class into the right CASPA subject category, so the number you see here is the number you’ll see when your application is verified.
How does CASPA calculate your GPA?
CASPA doesn’t simply copy the GPA from your transcript. It recalculates everything using quality points: each course’s CASPA grade value is multiplied by its number of semester credits, and your GPA is the total quality points divided by total attempted credits. A few rules trip up almost every applicant:
- Plus and minus grades count. An A− is 3.7 and a B+ is 3.3; an A+ is capped at 4.0.
- Quarter hours are converted. CASPA calculates in semester hours and converts quarter hours at 1.0 quarter hour = 0.667 semester hours, so a 5-quarter-hour course becomes 3.34 semester credits.
- Every attempt is counted. CASPA does not honor grade forgiveness or academic renewal — if you repeated a course, both grades and both credit loads are included.
- Pass/fail, AP, and CLEP credits are excluded because they carry no letter-grade value.
What counts as your science GPA (sGPA)?
Your CASPA science GPA includes Biology/Zoology, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, and “Other Science.” The single biggest surprise for pre-PA applicants: math, statistics, and psychology are NOT science in CASPA — calculus, biostatistics, and general psychology all fall into your non-science GPA. CASPA classifies a course by its subject content, not by the department name on your transcript, and its classification overrides your school’s. The calculator above sorts each course into the correct CASPA category automatically so your sGPA matches what verification will produce.
CASPA GPA vs. your college GPA
Your CASPA GPA is almost always different from the GPA on your diploma. CASPA combines every course from every college you’ve ever attended — community college, a second bachelor’s, online classes, and post-baccalaureate work all count. Because it also counts repeated courses your school may have forgiven, applicants who retook classes often see a CASPA GPA lower than their institutional GPA. The upside: every strong grade you earn from here forward counts too, which is exactly why a smart post-bacc plan can move the number.
What GPA do you need for PA school?
Most PA programs set a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (some as low as 2.75), but a minimum is only the floor to be reviewed — the average accepted PA student sits around 3.5–3.6. If your GPA is below average, you are far from out of the running: many programs review holistically and weigh patient-care experience, an upward grade trend, and a strong personal statement. See the always-current list of PA schools with GPA minimums below 3.0, or run your numbers through the PA Program Match AI to see exactly which accredited programs you’re competitive for today.
Frequently asked questions
How is my CASPA GPA calculated?
CASPA multiplies each course’s grade value by its semester credits to get quality points, then divides your total quality points by your total attempted credits. Quarter hours are converted to semester hours (×0.667), plus/minus grades count, and every attempt at a repeated course is included.
What counts as a science course for the CASPA science GPA?
Biology/zoology, inorganic and organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and other lab sciences count toward your science GPA (sGPA). Math, statistics, and psychology do not — CASPA classifies them as non-science, based on course content rather than the department name.
Does CASPA count retaken or repeated courses?
Yes. CASPA does not offer grade forgiveness or grade replacement. If you retook a class, you enter every attempt and CASPA includes all of them in your cumulative and science GPA — even if your school dropped the lower grade.
Is this CASPA GPA calculator accurate?
It uses CASPA’s published grade-value chart, quarter-to-semester conversion, repeat rules, and science-subject classifications, and was validated against Liaison’s own worked examples. Your official GPA is finalized during verification, so tiny differences can occur only if CASPA reclassifies a course’s subject on review.
What GPA do you need to get into PA school?
Most programs require a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, while the average accepted applicant is around 3.5–3.6. Programs that publish a minimum still admit classes averaging well above it, and many review holistically, so a below-average GPA can be offset by strong patient-care hours and an upward trend.
Is the CASPA GPA calculator free?
Yes — it’s completely free, requires no account, and saves your work in your browser so you can come back to it. When you’re ready, send your GPA straight into the PA Program Match tool to see where you stand.