Different schools use different time divisions for grades, and understanding these distinctions matters if you're transferring schools or changing terms.
Defining Semesters and Terms
A semester is typically 15-16 weeks and one half of an academic year. Schools on the semester system have fall and spring semesters. A term is a more flexible time period, typically 4-12 weeks, used in schools on the quarter or trimester system.
The quarter system has three terms per year (fall, winter, spring). The trimester system has two or three longer terms. Some schools use hybrid systems with semesters and shorter terms within them.
Your school's website clearly states which system it uses.
How Grades Are Calculated and Reported
Semester grades are final grades for courses completed within that semester. A spring semester grade is the final grade you earned for courses you took spring semester.
Term grades work similarly but on a term basis. In a quarter system, you receive fall term grades, winter term grades, and spring term grades.
Transferring Between Schools on Different Systems
Transferring from a quarter-based to semester-based school creates complications. Your four quarter courses become one semester's worth of credits and grades. How your GPA translates depends on transfer credit policies.
Most schools recalculate your GPA using their own scale. Some schools use your original GPA; others recalculate based on grades in transferred courses.
Grade Point Average and Transfer
Your overall GPA may not transfer perfectly. If you had a 3.5 GPA on a quarter system and transfer to a semester system, the new school calculates your GPA based on your grades in their system.
Some schools use your previous GPA as unofficial background information but calculate an official GPA based on transferred work.
Partial Terms and Late Starts
Some schools offer courses in partial terms (half-semester) or late-start sessions. These courses count toward that term's GPA but have compressed timelines.
A half-semester course gives you less time to improve your grade, so plan accordingly.
Transferring With Incomplete Grades
If you have incomplete grades from a previous term or semester, understanding transfer policies is crucial. Some schools require completion before transferring. Others transfer incompletes, requiring you to complete them at your new school.
What You Need To Know
Know your school's term structure. Understand your cumulative GPA calculation. If transferring, contact both schools' registrars to clarify how your grades will transfer and how your GPA will be recalculated.
This ensures you understand how your previous performance affects your standing at your new school.