What does a 4.0 GPA mean in college?

I'm just curious, I've heard everyone talk about a 4.0 GPA but I'm not really clear on what it means in college. Does it mean you've gotten straight As and if so, how difficult is it to maintain that? Let me know!

A 4.0 GPA in college generally means that you've earned straight As or the highest possible grades in all of your classes. In most American grading systems, an A (90-100% or higher) is assigned a 4.0, a B (80-89%) is a 3.0, a C (70-79%) is a 2.0, and so on. This is called an unweighted GPA, as it does not take into account the difficulty of your coursework.

Maintaining a 4.0 GPA in college can be challenging, as the coursework tends to be more rigorous than in high school and you're likely balancing classes with extracurricular activities and possibly a part-time job.

That said, it's not impossible to maintain a 4.0 GPA, and doing so requires consistent effort, time management, and strong study habits. It's essential to prioritize your academics, communicate with your professors to address any challenges or concerns, and actively seek out help if you're struggling in a particular course.

Keep in mind that while having a high GPA is impressive, employers and graduate programs often consider other factors such as internships, research experience, or volunteer work in addition to your academic achievements. It's important to achieve a balance between academics and other pursuits that will help you build a well-rounded portfolio.