The phrase refers to a spreadsheet, often created in Microsoft Excel, designed to compute a Grade Point Average (GPA) according to the specific requirements of the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). These tools enable applicants to input course information, credit hours, and grades earned to obtain an estimate of the GPA that CASPA will calculate for application review.
Accurate GPA calculation is crucial for Physician Assistant program applicants. These spreadsheet tools provide a means of verifying calculated GPAs against CASPA’s official calculations, minimizing potential errors or discrepancies in the application. Historically, manual GPA calculation has been prone to mistakes; these digital tools mitigate that risk and offer applicants increased confidence in their application materials.