Q. What is GPA in the UK?

Grade Point Average, or GPA, is a widely used metric to assess a student's academic achievement in the United States. The grading scheme in the UK, however, is very different from the GPA scheme in the US.

Rather than using the GPA system, the grading scheme in the UK usually uses classifications and percentages. In the UK, a student's grade is determined by how well they perform in each course or module. 

These grades, which show the degree of accomplishment in a certain course or module, are sometimes expressed as percentages.

Universities in the UK generally use a classification system for undergraduate degrees, which is different from the GPA. The most common classification system in the UK is:

1. First-Class (1st): Typically awarded for an overall percentage of 70% or above. This is considered an outstanding level of achievement.
2. Upper Second-Class (2:1): Awarded for percentages usually ranging between 60% to 69%. It is a solid achievement and is widely regarded as a good degree classification.
3. Lower Second-Class (2:2): Given for shares that typically fall between 50% and 59% of the total. Although it is still regarded as a pass, it is better than the upper second-class.
4. Third-Class (3rd): Awarded for percentages typically between 40% to 49%. While it represents a pass, it's a lower classification.
5. Ordinary Degree (Pass): This degree is occasionally granted without honors, usually for percentages that fall short of 40% but still satisfy the prerequisites.

The UK system emphasizes the overall performance in a degree program, as opposed to the GPA system, which averages all grades received. 

It's vital to remember that although academic performance is evaluated using both systems, the US GPA system prioritizes averaging grades on a 4.0 scale across all courses, while the UK system mainly uses percentages and categories.