How LSAC recalculates
LSAC, through its Credential Assembly Service (CAS), recalculates your undergraduate GPA from every transcript you submit. The recalculation diverges from your school's number in four ways.
- A+ = 4.33. LSAC uses a 4.33-point scale, not 4.0. An A+ pulls your GPA up. Most undergraduate institutions cap at 4.0.
- Every attempt counts. Repeated courses, failed attempts, community college courses, all of them.
- Withdrawals excluded. A regular W does not affect the GPA. Punitive withdrawals (WF, WP at some schools) count as F.
- Pass/Fail excluded. Even if you passed, the P does not enter the math.
Why your LSAC GPA differs from your school's
Two reasons. First, the 4.33 cap on A+ adds points your school may not have given you. Second, the both-attempts-count rule on repeats pulls the LSAC number below what your school shows after grade replacement.
Most applicants land within ±0.1 of their school GPA. If yours diverges by more, look for A+ grades, lots of repeats, transfer credits, or community college coursework.