Easy Ole Miss GPA Calculator | Semester & Overall


Easy Ole Miss GPA Calculator | Semester & Overall

A device that computes grade level averages (GPAs) particularly primarily based on the grading system on the College of Mississippi is a priceless useful resource for college kids. These calculators permit people to enter their course grades and credit score hours to venture their semester or cumulative GPA, adhering to the college’s particular grading scale and insurance policies. As an illustration, a scholar may enter an ‘A’ in a 3-credit hour course and a ‘B’ in a 4-credit hour course to find out the GPA influence of these grades.

Such a computation device presents a number of advantages. It facilitates educational planning by permitting college students to mannequin completely different grade situations and perceive their influence on their general educational standing. That is notably helpful for college kids aiming for particular GPA thresholds for scholarships, honors applications, or graduate faculty purposes. Moreover, it gives a transparent and goal evaluation of educational efficiency, selling self-awareness and knowledgeable decision-making concerning course choice and research habits. Traditionally, calculating GPAs was a guide and time-consuming course of; these instruments streamline the method and scale back the potential for errors.

The following sections will elaborate on the performance of those instruments, together with frequent options, limitations, and various strategies for understanding educational efficiency on the college. We may also talk about the accuracy and reliability of varied on-line variations and the precise issues associated to the College of Mississippi’s educational laws.

1. Ole Miss grading scale

The Ole Miss grading scale is the foundational aspect upon which any GPA calculation for college kids on the College of Mississippi rests. And not using a exact understanding of the precise level values assigned to every letter grade (A, B, C, D, F) and their potential plus or minus variations (A+, A-, B+, and so forth.), an correct GPA computation by way of any means, together with a particularly designed calculator, is unattainable. For instance, a GPA calculator should be programmed with the information that an “A” is price 4.0 high quality factors per credit score hour, whereas a “B+” is perhaps price 3.33. An incorrect grading scale inside the calculator inevitably results in a flawed GPA outcome, probably deceptive college students about their educational standing.

The connection extends past mere level values. The official grading insurance policies, as outlined by the College of Mississippi, typically embrace nuances reminiscent of grade forgiveness insurance policies, therapy of repeated programs, and the inclusion/exclusion of particular programs within the GPA calculation (e.g., Go/Fail programs). A complicated calculator should incorporate these insurance policies to generate a really consultant GPA. Ignoring these institutional specificities can lead to a GPA that doesn’t precisely replicate the scholar’s official educational report. The official grading coverage will have an effect on the scholar gpa calculation.

In conclusion, the “Ole Miss grading scale” will not be merely an enter parameter for a computation device; it’s the elementary framework that dictates the validity and reliability of the “gpa calculator ole miss.” Any variance between the grading scale programmed into the calculator and the official college coverage will produce inaccurate and probably dangerous outcomes, highlighting the important significance of aligning the calculator’s core mechanics with the college’s printed tips. This correct alignment impacts the gpa calculator ole miss.

2. Credit score hour values

Credit score hour values characterize a foundational aspect within the correct computation of a Grade Level Common (GPA), notably when using a GPA calculator tailor-made for the College of Mississippi. These values function the weighting mechanism that displays the relative educational funding related to every course.

  • Affect on GPA Weighting

    Credit score hours immediately affect the proportional contribution of every course grade to the general GPA. A course with the next credit score hour worth exerts a extra vital affect than a course with a decrease worth, even when the letter grade earned is identical. As an illustration, an ‘A’ in a 4-credit-hour course has a extra substantial influence on the GPA than an ‘A’ in a 1-credit-hour course. The “gpa calculator ole miss” should precisely replicate these weighting rules.

  • Correct Illustration in Calculation

    For a “gpa calculator ole miss” to operate appropriately, the credit score hour values related to every course should be exactly inputted. Any discrepancy between the acknowledged credit score hours for a course and the worth used within the calculator will result in an inaccurate GPA. The calculator logic should multiply the standard factors assigned to a grade (primarily based on the Ole Miss grading scale) by the corresponding credit score hours. Omission or misrepresentation of credit score hours nullifies gpa calculator ole miss.

  • Relationship to Course Load and Tutorial Standing

    The entire variety of credit score hours a scholar makes an attempt inside a semester or throughout their educational profession additionally impacts their educational standing. Sure GPA necessities or educational insurance policies could also be contingent on sustaining a selected minimal credit score hour load. The “gpa calculator ole miss” can help college students in understanding how their course load decisions have an effect on their capacity to fulfill these necessities, because it demonstrates gpa calculation impacts their general educational standing.

  • Affect on GPA Projections and Tutorial Planning

    Credit score hour values are essential when projecting potential future GPAs utilizing a “gpa calculator ole miss.” College students can mannequin situations by various grades in programs with completely different credit score hour values to know the potential influence on their cumulative GPA. This permits college students to strategically plan their course picks and allocate research time to programs that can most importantly influence their educational efficiency. In essence, “gpa calculator ole miss” may be very helpful for planning.

In abstract, the correct incorporation of credit score hour values is paramount to the performance and utility of a “gpa calculator ole miss.” These values are usually not merely numerical inputs, however slightly elementary parts that dictate the proportional affect of particular person course grades on the general GPA, informing educational planning and reflecting a scholar’s educational funding. Any “gpa calculator ole miss” should incorporate this into its calculations.

3. Course grade enter

The accuracy after all grade enter is paramount to the efficient operation and dependable output of any grade level common (GPA) calculator designed to be used on the College of Mississippi. This enter immediately determines the standard factors assigned to every course, subsequently influencing the general GPA calculation.

  • Accuracy and Precision

    The directness of the connection between course grade enter and the calculated GPA necessitates meticulous consideration to element. A single error in getting into a course grade (e.g., inputting a ‘B’ as an alternative of a ‘C+’) can propagate by means of the complete calculation, resulting in a skewed and probably deceptive GPA. As an illustration, if a scholar incorrectly enters a ‘D’ as a ‘B’ in a 3-credit hour course, the GPA will likely be artificially inflated, misrepresenting educational efficiency and probably impacting selections associated to course choice or scholarship purposes. The “gpa calculator ole miss” is just nearly as good as its inputs.

  • Standardization and Consistency

    The College of Mississippi employs a selected grading scale. The “gpa calculator ole miss” should adhere strictly to this scale. Any deviation between the grades entered and the corresponding high quality factors assigned inside the calculators programming will compromise the validity of the outcome. It’s crucial that the calculator precisely displays the college’s grading coverage to make sure constant and dependable GPA calculations throughout all customers. Discrepancies in standardization degrade “gpa calculator ole miss” usefulness.

  • Timeliness and Completeness

    The worth of a GPA calculator is maximized when all course grades for a given semester or educational profession are included. Partial or incomplete grade enter renders the ensuing GPA inaccurate and of restricted utility. College students ought to be certain that all official grades can be found and entered into the “gpa calculator ole miss” to acquire a complete and consultant calculation of their educational efficiency. If the “gpa calculator ole miss” will not be full, then accuracy is misplaced.

  • Consumer Interface and Error Prevention

    The design of the “gpa calculator ole miss” interface ought to facilitate correct grade enter and reduce the potential for errors. Clear labeling of enter fields, drop-down menus with predefined grade choices, and error-checking mechanisms can considerably enhance the reliability of the calculator. A well-designed interface reduces the probability of person error and enhances the general accuracy of the GPA calculation course of. Consumer interface should be clear for “gpa calculator ole miss” to be correct.

In abstract, the constancy after all grade enter immediately governs the accuracy and usefulness of any “gpa calculator ole miss.” Adherence to standardized grading scales, meticulous consideration to element throughout enter, and a user-friendly interface collectively make sure the calculator gives a dependable evaluation of a scholar’s educational efficiency on the College of Mississippi. An accurate “gpa calculator ole miss” wants all the proper components.

4. GPA calculation system

The GPA calculation system kinds the core algorithmic foundation of any “gpa calculator ole miss”. Its appropriate implementation is important to make sure the device precisely displays a scholar’s educational efficiency in accordance with the College of Mississippi’s requirements.

  • High quality Factors Task

    The preliminary step includes assigning high quality factors to every letter grade primarily based on the college’s grading scale. As an illustration, an ‘A’ might equate to 4.0 high quality factors, a ‘B’ to three.0, and so forth. The “gpa calculator ole miss” should appropriately translate letter grades to their corresponding numerical values to proceed with the calculation. A mismatch between the assigned values and the official college scale renders the calculator inaccurate.

  • Weighted Summation

    The following step is to multiply the standard factors for every course by the course’s credit score hour worth. This generates a weighted sum that accounts for the relative educational funding in every course. If a scholar earns an ‘A’ (4.0) in a 3-credit-hour course, the weighted worth is 12.0. The “gpa calculator ole miss” should carry out this calculation precisely for all programs taken.

  • Complete Credit score Hours

    The calculation requires summing all credit score hours tried in the course of the semester or throughout the scholar’s complete educational profession, relying on whether or not a semester or cumulative GPA is being calculated. This whole represents the divisor within the last GPA calculation. The “gpa calculator ole miss” should appropriately combination all tried credit score hours, excluding any programs that aren’t factored into the GPA as per college coverage.

  • GPA Dedication

    The ultimate step is to divide the whole weighted high quality factors (calculated in step two) by the whole credit score hours (calculated in step three). The ensuing quotient represents the GPA. For instance, if a scholar has 45.0 whole high quality factors and 15 whole credit score hours, the GPA is 3.0. The “gpa calculator ole miss” should execute this division with precision to ship an correct GPA outcome.

These formulation, when appropriately applied inside the “gpa calculator ole miss,” allow college students to reliably assess their educational efficiency. Any deviation from these rules can result in inaccurate outcomes, undermining the calculator’s utility. Due to this fact, validating the formulaic integrity of the calculator towards the College of Mississippi’s official GPA calculation insurance policies is important to keep up its trustworthiness.

5. Cumulative GPA monitoring

Cumulative GPA monitoring represents a elementary operate inextricably linked to the utility of a “gpa calculator ole miss.” The calculator, when programmed appropriately, gives college students with the flexibility to watch their educational progress throughout a number of semesters. This course of requires storing and updating GPA information following every educational time period. For instance, a scholar who initially earns a 3.5 GPA of their first semester can use the device to know how subsequent grades will influence that preliminary worth as they full further coursework. An correct “gpa calculator ole miss” should incorporate prior educational information to provide a dependable cumulative evaluation.

The significance of cumulative GPA monitoring inside a “gpa calculator ole miss” stems from its direct affect on educational standing and future alternatives. A scholar’s cumulative GPA, typically a major consider eligibility for scholarships, honors applications, and graduate faculty admissions, displays their general educational efficiency on the College of Mississippi. A sensible software of this monitoring includes a scholar aiming for a selected honors designation. By inputting projected grades into the device, they’ll assess whether or not their present educational trajectory will allow them to fulfill the minimal GPA necessities. In cases the place the projected GPA falls quick, the scholar can regulate course picks or research habits to enhance their standing. The “gpa calculator ole miss” immediately addresses this purpose.

In conclusion, the performance of cumulative GPA monitoring inside a “gpa calculator ole miss” extends past a easy aggregation of semester grades. It gives a mechanism for college kids to watch their educational trajectory, assess their eligibility for alternatives, and proactively regulate their educational methods to attain their desired outcomes. This functionality, nevertheless, hinges on the accuracy and reliability of the info entered into the calculator, in addition to the right implementation of the GPA calculation system. Potential challenges contain the combination of switch credit or the appliance of grade forgiveness insurance policies, requiring the “gpa calculator ole miss” to be repeatedly up to date to replicate institutional insurance policies. Correct use of “gpa calculator ole miss” assists in monitoring educational progress.

6. Semester GPA projection

Semester GPA projection, an important element of educational planning, leverages “gpa calculator ole miss” performance to estimate a scholar’s grade level common for a forthcoming or present educational time period. This predictive functionality permits for proactive educational administration primarily based on anticipated efficiency.

  • Strategic Course Planning

    Projecting the semester GPA permits college students to strategically choose programs. By inputting anticipated grades into the “gpa calculator ole miss” for varied course combos, college students can decide the potential influence on their general GPA and make knowledgeable selections about course problem and workload. For instance, a scholar aiming for a selected GPA threshold might select to steadiness difficult programs with much less demanding ones, maximizing their possibilities of attaining their educational objectives. “gpa calculator ole miss” is a device for correct course planning.

  • Tutorial Aim Setting

    Semester GPA projection fosters lifelike educational purpose setting. College students can use the “gpa calculator ole miss” to mannequin completely different grade situations and assess their feasibility. This course of promotes self-awareness and motivates college students to set achievable targets for every semester. A scholar might, for instance, notice that attaining a desired cumulative GPA requires a selected semester GPA, prompting them to regulate research habits or search further educational help. A sensible GPA is made potential with “gpa calculator ole miss”.

  • Threat Evaluation and Mitigation

    Projecting the semester GPA permits college students to evaluate potential educational dangers and develop mitigation methods. By inputting lower-than-expected grades into the “gpa calculator ole miss”, college students can perceive the influence of poor efficiency on their GPA and establish areas for enchancment. A scholar may, for instance, uncover that failing a specific course would considerably decrease their GPA, prompting them to hunt tutoring or regulate their research schedule to keep away from that end result. “gpa calculator ole miss” has actual life use.

  • Tutorial Efficiency Monitoring

    Recurrently projecting the semester GPA gives a mechanism for monitoring educational efficiency all through the time period. College students can use the “gpa calculator ole miss” to trace their progress and establish potential points early on. A scholar who initially projected a excessive GPA might discover that their precise efficiency is lagging behind, prompting them to hunt assist from their professors or educational advisors. Common use can present scholar’s efficiency.

In summation, semester GPA projection, facilitated by a “gpa calculator ole miss”, empowers college students to make knowledgeable educational selections, set lifelike objectives, assess dangers, and monitor their efficiency. This proactive strategy contributes to improved educational outcomes and enhances the general scholar expertise. “gpa calculator ole miss” has a plethora of makes use of.

7. Affect evaluation device

An influence evaluation device, when built-in inside a “gpa calculator ole miss,” gives a mechanism for college kids to judge the potential penalties of educational selections on their grade level common. This performance extends past easy GPA calculation, permitting for state of affairs modeling and strategic planning.

  • Hypothetical Grade Eventualities

    The core performance permits college students to enter hypothetical grades for future or incomplete coursework and observe the ensuing change of their GPA. As an illustration, a scholar contemplating retaking a course can use the device to evaluate the potential GPA enchancment primarily based on completely different grades achieved within the retake. This characteristic empowers knowledgeable decision-making by quantifying the educational influence of varied efficiency ranges inside the “gpa calculator ole miss” setting.

  • Course Choice Modeling

    An influence evaluation device permits college students to judge how completely different course picks affect their GPA. By inputting anticipated grades for a spread of programs, college students can establish optimum course combos to maximise their educational standing. For instance, a scholar may examine the GPA influence of taking a difficult 4-credit hour course versus two much less demanding 2-credit hour programs. This characteristic optimizes diploma planning by way of the “gpa calculator ole miss” platform.

  • GPA Restoration Methods

    College students with lower-than-desired GPAs can use an influence evaluation device to formulate methods for educational restoration. By modeling the influence of attaining particular grades in future programs, college students can decide the required efficiency degree to succeed in their goal GPA. For instance, the device can illustrate the mixture of excessive grades wanted to offset a previous semester of decrease efficiency, facilitating proactive educational remediation by means of “gpa calculator ole miss.”

  • Commencement Requirement Evaluation

    An influence evaluation device built-in right into a “gpa calculator ole miss” can help college students in making certain they meet the minimal GPA necessities for commencement. By projecting their GPA primarily based on remaining coursework, college students can establish potential shortfalls and regulate their educational plans accordingly. As an illustration, a scholar nearing commencement can use the device to substantiate that attaining a sure GPA of their last semester will fulfill the commencement necessities, making certain educational eligibility.

In abstract, the influence evaluation device, when integrated right into a “gpa calculator ole miss,” transforms the calculator from a easy computation machine right into a strategic educational planning useful resource. The flexibility to mannequin situations, assess potential penalties, and formulate proactive methods empowers college students to take management of their educational efficiency and obtain their desired outcomes inside the College of Mississippi’s grading framework.

8. Tutorial standing evaluation

Tutorial standing evaluation is immediately reliant on the performance of a “gpa calculator ole miss.” The device gives a quantifiable metric, the GPA, which kinds the idea for evaluating whether or not a scholar is in good standing, on educational probation, or topic to educational suspension, as outlined by College of Mississippi insurance policies. For instance, if a scholar’s calculated GPA falls under a specified minimal threshold, the “gpa calculator ole miss” not directly triggers a notification of probationary standing. With out the correct GPA generated by the device, goal evaluation of educational standing turns into difficult. The “gpa calculator ole miss” permits an goal analysis.

The GPA, as calculated by the “gpa calculator ole miss,” serves as the first indicator for assessing a scholar’s progress in the direction of diploma completion. College students use the device to venture their future GPAs primarily based on anticipated grades. This proactive evaluation permits them to make mandatory changes to their research habits or course picks to keep up good educational standing. Moreover, the device can establish particular programs dragging down the general GPA, enabling focused intervention. Think about a scholar calculates a projected GPA under the required minimal. Through the use of the “gpa calculator ole miss” influence evaluation device, they may change to a unique course.

In abstract, the “gpa calculator ole miss” is greater than a mere computational machine; it’s a important element within the course of of educational standing evaluation. It gives the info mandatory for goal analysis, permits proactive educational administration, and facilitates knowledgeable decision-making to keep up good standing. Whereas the calculator gives the numerical output, understanding the college’s insurance policies and laws concerning educational standing is equally vital for correct self-assessment. It’s important to keep in mind that insurance policies and laws concerning educational standing are equally vital.

9. Accuracy, Reliability

The accuracy and reliability of a “gpa calculator ole miss” are paramount. These attributes decide the device’s utility in offering college students with reliable assessments of their educational standing on the College of Mississippi. A calculator missing in both accuracy or reliability can result in flawed decision-making concerning course choice, educational planning, and scholarship purposes.

  • Information Integrity

    Information integrity refers back to the correctness and completeness of the knowledge used inside the calculator. The “gpa calculator ole miss” should incorporate the official College of Mississippi grading scale, together with the exact high quality level values assigned to every letter grade and plus/minus variations. Any deviation from the official grading scale compromises accuracy. As an illustration, if the calculator assigns an incorrect high quality level worth to a ‘B+’, the ensuing GPA will likely be inaccurate, whatever the correctness of different inputs.

  • Algorithmic Correctness

    Algorithmic correctness pertains to the correct implementation of the GPA calculation system. The “gpa calculator ole miss” should precisely multiply high quality factors by credit score hours, sum these values, and divide by the whole credit score hours tried. Errors within the algorithm, reminiscent of incorrect weighting of programs or improper dealing with of repeated programs, will result in unreliable GPA calculations. Even minor algorithmic flaws can compound over a number of semesters, leading to a considerably inaccurate cumulative GPA.

  • Consumer Interface Design

    The design of the person interface considerably influences the reliability of a “gpa calculator ole miss.” A poorly designed interface can enhance the probability of person error throughout information enter. Clear labeling of enter fields, intuitive navigation, and error-checking mechanisms are important for minimizing the chance of incorrect grade or credit score hour entries. An unintuitive interface will increase the possibilities of errors that degrade general reliability.

  • Verification and Validation

    Verification and validation processes are essential for making certain the accuracy and reliability of a “gpa calculator ole miss.” Common testing and comparability of calculator outputs towards manually calculated GPAs or official college transcripts are essential to establish and proper any discrepancies. Ongoing validation ensures that the calculator continues to operate appropriately over time, whilst college grading insurance policies evolve. Steady validation is important for ongoing usefulness.

These aspects underscore the significance of rigor within the design, implementation, and upkeep of a “gpa calculator ole miss.” Whereas comfort and accessibility are fascinating, they can’t come on the expense of accuracy and reliability. The device should present college students with a reliable reflection of their educational efficiency to help knowledgeable decision-making and facilitate their success on the College of Mississippi. Inaccurate info might be detrimental in the long term.

Incessantly Requested Questions

The next addresses frequent inquiries concerning the performance and acceptable utilization of Grade Level Common (GPA) calculators designed for college kids on the College of Mississippi.

Query 1: What grading scale does a GPA calculator Ole Miss use?

A GPA calculator Ole Miss makes use of the official grading scale adopted by the College of Mississippi. This scale assigns numerical values to letter grades (A, B, C, D, F) and their plus/minus variations (e.g., A+, B-, C+). Adherence to this particular scale is essential for correct GPA calculation.

Query 2: How are credit score hours factored into GPA calculation by a GPA calculator Ole Miss?

Credit score hours function a weighting issue. Every course’s high quality factors (primarily based on the letter grade) are multiplied by the course’s credit score hour worth. These weighted values are then summed and divided by the whole credit score hours tried to find out the GPA. Correct enter of credit score hours is important.

Query 3: What forms of programs must be included when utilizing a GPA calculator Ole Miss?

All programs for which a letter grade is assigned and contributes to the GPA, in accordance with College of Mississippi coverage, must be included. Go/Fail programs or these excluded from GPA calculation per college laws must be omitted, as their inclusion will yield an inaccurate outcome.

Query 4: How can a GPA calculator Ole Miss be used to venture future educational efficiency?

A GPA calculator Ole Miss permits the enter of projected grades for upcoming programs. By getting into anticipated grades and credit score hours, college students can estimate their future GPA and assess the potential influence of varied educational outcomes on their general GPA.

Query 5: What limitations must be thought-about when utilizing a GPA calculator Ole Miss?

GPA calculators present estimations primarily based on enter information. They don’t account for unexpected circumstances or subjective components that will affect precise grades. These instruments function a information, not a definitive predictor of educational success.

Query 6: How can a GPA calculator Ole Miss help in enhancing educational standing?

A GPA calculator Ole Miss can establish areas the place educational enchancment is required. By modeling completely different grade situations, college students can decide the grade enhancements wanted to succeed in particular GPA targets and assess the feasibility of attaining these objectives.

In abstract, GPA calculators designed for College of Mississippi college students are priceless instruments for understanding and managing educational efficiency. Nevertheless, accountable utilization requires correct information enter and an consciousness of the device’s limitations.

The following part will current a comparability of obtainable GPA calculator instruments.

Suggestions for Efficient GPA Administration Utilizing a GPA Calculator

The next tips are meant to maximise the effectiveness of a “gpa calculator ole miss” in educational planning and efficiency evaluation.

Tip 1: Perceive the College Grading Coverage: Familiarize with the official grading scale, grade level values, and any particular insurance policies associated to GPA calculation, reminiscent of grade forgiveness or therapy of repeated programs. This data is essential for correct enter into the calculator.

Tip 2: Guarantee Correct Information Entry: Meticulously confirm all course grades and credit score hours earlier than getting into them into the “gpa calculator ole miss.” Even minor errors can considerably skew the outcomes.

Tip 3: Make the most of the Calculator for Proactive Planning: Don’t prohibit the calculator to retrospective GPA calculations. Make use of it to mannequin future educational situations by inputting projected grades to evaluate the potential influence after all picks and efficiency ranges.

Tip 4: Observe Semester and Cumulative GPAs Individually: Monitor each semester and cumulative GPAs to establish developments in educational efficiency. Use the “gpa calculator ole miss” to investigate how every semester contributes to the general GPA.

Tip 5: Take into account the Affect of Credit score Hours: Acknowledge that programs with larger credit score hours have a better affect on the GPA. Prioritize programs with larger credit score values when allocating research time and sources.

Tip 6: Evaluate A number of Calculators: If potential, confirm GPA calculations utilizing a number of impartial “gpa calculator ole miss” sources. Discrepancies might point out errors in information enter or algorithmic inconsistencies.

Tip 7: Perceive the Calculator’s Limitations: Acknowledge {that a} “gpa calculator ole miss” gives estimates primarily based on inputted information. It can not account for unexpected circumstances or subjective components that will affect precise grades.

The “gpa calculator ole miss,” when used diligently and with a transparent understanding of its functionalities, turns into a priceless device for educational administration.

The following part presents a conclusion summarizing important factors.

Conclusion

The previous dialogue established {that a} GPA calculator tailor-made for the College of Mississippi is an indispensable device for college kids looking for to know and handle their educational efficiency. Correct information enter, mixed with an intensive understanding of the College’s grading insurance policies, permits for dependable GPA calculations. These calculations allow knowledgeable decision-making concerning course choice, educational planning, and eligibility for scholarships or honors applications. And not using a dependable device, navigating these facets turns into considerably extra complicated.

The continued utility of the “gpa calculator ole miss” is determined by ongoing upkeep and adaptation to evolving College insurance policies. As educational laws change, the calculator should be up to date to replicate these modifications, making certain sustained accuracy and relevance for college kids. Finally, the efficient use of a GPA calculator empowers college students to take possession of their educational progress, fostering a tradition of proactive planning and knowledgeable decision-making, important parts of educational success.