GPA vs. QPA

[WisconsinMMAMama2015]

Question for all of you "seasoned" KP'ers...I just had my first opportunity to view a USMMA Grade Report. Instead of listing the student's GPA, they have a QPA (they don't even have "GPA" listed anywhere on the report). After doing the math I've noticed that a traditional GPA and the QPA are two different numbers. When the Gold/Silver Star lists are published they reference the student's GPA. Does anyone know which number they really use to determine who qualifies for which star? The GPA or the QPA?

 

[MStan]

According to the USMMA Catalog, under Scholastic Recognition...

Midshipmen may earn Scholastic Quarterly Honor Stars on the following basis:
1.Gold Stars are awarded to all midshipmen who achieve a quality point average of 3.500 or above for one trimester with no course failures during that term.

2.Silver Stars are awarded to midshipmen who achieve a quality point average of 3.250 to 3.494 for one trimester with no course failures during that term.

 

[WisconsinMMAMama2015]

I didn't realize they had the catalog back on-line. The last couple of times I've looked it wasn't available. I knew what the numbers were...just didn't know if they use the traditional "GPA" or their own "QPA" and it is in fact their own "QPA".

 

[MStan]

Not sure it's online. I have copies at home and work since I am referring to it fairly often...DS 2015 and DD 2016

 

[jasperdog]

Is this a "watch out for the rotor blades on those helo's" kind of post? ... or did someone's mid just mention the possibility of earning a star for the first time and now it's time to figure out what the jargon means?

In any case I thought I'd mention how funny I find the caveat of "and no failures" especially in regards to a Gold Star as having a 3.5 GPA or higher is usually mathematically impossible if you fail a course unless it's some weird one credit hour kind of thing...