Grading Systems at Illinois Colleges
Standard A-F with +/- at research universities; community colleges vary. Finals at most Illinois institutions count 25-40% of the course grade, though this varies by school, department, and professor.
Illinois research universities have rigorous STEM finals. Northwestern's quarter system makes finals particularly high-frequency.
Quick Estimate (30% final weight): Current 80% → Need >100% for an A | Need 80.0% for a B.
Score Reference Table for Illinois Students (30% Final)
| Current Grade | Need for A (90%) | Need for B (80%) | Need for C (70%) | Need to Pass (60%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60% | >100% | >100% | 93.3% | 60.0% |
| 65% | >100% | >100% | 81.7% | 48.3% |
| 70% | >100% | >100% | 70.0% | 36.7% |
| 75% | >100% | 91.7% | 58.3% | 25.0% |
| 78% | >100% | 84.7% | 51.3% | 18.0% |
| 80% | >100% | 80.0% | 46.7% | 13.3% |
| 82% | >100% | 75.3% | 42.0% | 8.7% |
| 85% | >100% | 68.3% | 35.0% | 1.7% |
| 88% | 94.7% | 61.3% | 28.0% | ✓ Done |
| 90% | 90.0% | 56.7% | 23.3% | ✓ Done |
| 92% | 85.3% | 52.0% | 18.7% | ✓ Done |
| 95% | 78.3% | 45.0% | 11.7% | ✓ Done |
Finding Your Exact Final Weight
The most important step is confirming the exact final weight for your specific course. In Illinois, most professors list this in the grading breakdown section of the syllabus, usually in the first few pages.
- Check your syllabus first — it is always the authoritative source for your specific course.
- Look at your gradebook — your course management system (Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle) may display the final exam as a graded item with its point value.
- Ask your professor or TA — one quick email or office hours question will confirm it.
School-Specific Calculators in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
Finals at most Illinois institutions count 25-40%. Illinois research universities have rigorous STEM finals. Northwestern's quarter system makes finals particularly high-f.
Standard A-F with +/- at research universities; community colleges vary. Always verify with your specific institution.
Check your course management system for your running overall grade.
Lower your target and recalculate. Contact your professor about extra credit, curves, or incomplete grade options.
Generally both use standard A-F grading, but policies on +/- grades, curves, and minimum passing grades can vary. Check your specific institution's academic catalog.
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