Similar to economic inflation, GPA inflation is a drop in value of the "grade points" used in most schools today due to a dramatic increase in competition. In the past, a 4.0 used to be sufficient, but now it's hardly enough.
Strained by the sheer number of incoming applications, many colleges try to narrow down the applicants by accepting only those with the highest GPA. This, in turn, causes students to try to raise, or "inflate," their GPA by taking AP, IB, or Honors courses.
Unfortunately, this causes the colleges to raise their bars even further since so many students have 4.0's or above.
Strained by the sheer number of incoming applications, many colleges try to narrow down the applicants by accepting only those with the highest GPA. This, in turn, causes students to try to raise, or "inflate," their GPA by taking AP, IB, or Honors courses.
Unfortunately, this causes the colleges to raise their bars even further since so many students have 4.0's or above.
A: Hey, look at this, College X just rejected this guy who had a 4.1!
B: What?! It was accepting 3.8's last year! That's just ridiculous...
A: GPA inflation, man. That's what it is.
B: What?! It was accepting 3.8's last year! That's just ridiculous...
A: GPA inflation, man. That's what it is.
by D zy July 30, 2009
A GPA circa 2.8-3.3, which allows for superstars to excel socially due to executing, at the very most, an above average effort in the classroom. While the GPA alone will not land one an I-banking job fresh out of college, it is not a GPA that will completely hinder one from pursuing his/her desired career.
-"Yes! I got a 4.0 this semester! All those nights staying in and studying really paid off!"
-"Pssh 4.0s are for nerds. Its all about lockin' down The Superstar GPA and goin' hard all semester."
-"Pssh 4.0s are for nerds. Its all about lockin' down The Superstar GPA and goin' hard all semester."
by Alex Moran April 18, 2012
In College Basketball the players (usually white) on the end the bench who rarely play but only on the team to boost the team's overall GPA.
Wow Bob Huggins really loads the back of his bench with GPA builders.
Look at those GPA builders going crazy at the end of the bench.
Look at those GPA builders going crazy at the end of the bench.
by Bob Huggins 188 January 5, 2012
by 5'1"Racer May 21, 2005
Grade Point Average Whore- a person who is so obsessed with making high grades that they will do just about anything for them. They commonly have GPA's over 4.0 on weighted high school scales by taking the courses with added GPA's, such as AP courses, even if the courses are not even remotely beneficial. Azns and Jews are two races that commonly have stereotypes of being GPA whores in some places.
Lee isn't taking AP art history because he likes art- he's just doing it because he's a GPA whore and wants a better rank.
by turbotong February 27, 2006
One who will do anything to raise their GPA.
How to spot a GPA slut:
1. Excessive use of markers to make stupid signs to attract male GPA sluts (GPA gigolos) and/or teachers.
2. An inexplicable lack of opinions, usually linked to complacency, fear of conflict, and an absence of anything resembling independent judgment skills.
3. A "we'll accept you if you're smart enough" attitude that quickly turns into snobbery as soon as the GPA slut has been outsmarted by someone thought to be "inferior."
How to spot a GPA slut:
1. Excessive use of markers to make stupid signs to attract male GPA sluts (GPA gigolos) and/or teachers.
2. An inexplicable lack of opinions, usually linked to complacency, fear of conflict, and an absence of anything resembling independent judgment skills.
3. A "we'll accept you if you're smart enough" attitude that quickly turns into snobbery as soon as the GPA slut has been outsmarted by someone thought to be "inferior."
She draws ugly shit with markers and brags about her straight A's, but when she meets someone truly smart and free-thinking, she acts like they are mentally challenged. What a GPA slut.
by The Three Huxtabitches January 7, 2007
A student who finds themselves "on the edge" of a new grade at the end of the quarter. For example, a person with a 96 A that only needs a few points to reach a 97 A+. A skilled GPA Negotiator will often times BEG their teacher for ANY last minute extra credit or ANYTHING THEY CAN DO to get their grade up a mere few points. A successful GPA Negotiator will often use guilt tactics and and make sure they tell their teacher that the "want to succeed," when in reality it is just to get their grade up by doing little to no effort. GPA Negotiation is the main cause of GPA Inflation.
------------ Example of a GPA Negotiator at work------------
Student - Excuse me, Mr. Smith. I would like to talk to you about my grade
Teacher - Yes? You have a 96 in this class
Student - Yes, however I REALLY need to get it up to an A+ so my parents will be proud of me. Is there ANYTHING I can do to raise it a mere 1 point?
Teacher - Well... I'm not supposed to be doing this, but I will allow you to write a small paper for a point extra credit. Turn it in to me tomorrow and don't tell you any of your peers
Student - Thank you very much, I am very appreciative......... *walks of with a smug grin*
Student - Excuse me, Mr. Smith. I would like to talk to you about my grade
Teacher - Yes? You have a 96 in this class
Student - Yes, however I REALLY need to get it up to an A+ so my parents will be proud of me. Is there ANYTHING I can do to raise it a mere 1 point?
Teacher - Well... I'm not supposed to be doing this, but I will allow you to write a small paper for a point extra credit. Turn it in to me tomorrow and don't tell you any of your peers
Student - Thank you very much, I am very appreciative......... *walks of with a smug grin*
by Bile2 March 29, 2010