For returning students, or students studying for the first time in the U.S., a refresher in certain academic procedures and expectations may be helpful. Below is an academic overview, tips for academic success and information pertaining to academic admission requirements.


Academic Advising

The U.S. Academic Evaluation System
Tips for Academic Success
Academic Requirements

The U.S. Academic Evaluation System

In the American educational system, the best student is the one with the highest grade-point average (GPA). The quality of a student's academic work is measured by means of "grades." There are three passing grades: A, B, and C. This grading system includes "plus" and "minus," and each grade carries a designated number of points, as shown:

Grade
Points
Grade
Points
A 4.0 C 2.0
A- 3.7 C- 1.7
B+ 3.3 D+ 1.3
B 3.0 D 1.0
B- 2.7 D- 0.7
C+ 2.3 F 0.0

A student's GPA is calculated by calculating the weighted averages of all coursework.

Cumulative GPA is the GPA a student has earned for all classes taken at Thunderbird. Students who do not maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above are placed on academic probation. Unlike systems where a test is given at the end of the period, academic success in the American system requires consistent, disciplined studying for all assignments, examinations and courses.

Tips for Academic Success

In general, foreign students earn lower grades during their first trimester, but improve as they become accustomed to the system and as their English improves. The same is often the case for students returning to school after a long hiatus - or who are entering business/management without an undergraduate or professional background in the subject matter. The following information may make the academic transition easier:

Educational Assumptions
Work Hard from the Start
Talk with Professors
Develop Study Skills
Consider Internships

Educational Assumptions

Attendance and participation in classes is an important part of the academic system. Gain as much from your classes as you can.

The ability to memorize material is less important than being able to synthesize material from many sources (bringing information together and mixing it in a new way to develop your own ideas and viewpoints).

Work Hard From the Start

It is unwise to wait until the latter part of the trimester to begin studying. If you do not begin studying on the first day of classes, you are likely to get behind and to experience academic difficulty.

Talk with Professors

If you have specific questions or if you are having general difficulty understanding what is happening in class, get help from the professor or graduate teaching assistant. Thunderbird professors expect students to ask questions during class or immediately following class. Most teachers will have a negative evaluation of students who never raise questions in the class, or who do not visit the teacher outside of the class to discuss any academic difficulties they are experiencing.

Develop Study Skills

The educational system rewards students who can study a large amount of material concerning a broad range of subjects, synthesize from many sources, and take examinations effectively. These activities require skills that can be learned.

  • Organize Your Time
    Make a weekly schedule and reserve specific times each day for studying. Review your course syllabus to determine how much time you will need to devote to reading and writing assignments for each class, then fill in your study schedule accordingly.
  • Read Effectively
    It is not possible to memorize all of your reading materials for the trimester, or even to study them in reasonable depth. In general, you are expected to familiarize yourself with the main points from each reading and relate them to real-life cases. If you have reading assignments that relate to a lecture you will hear in class, do the reading before class.
  • Take Notes
    Write down the main points that the lecturer makes and review your notes after class. Note unclear areas and ask questions.
  • Understand Classroom Setbacks
    For foreign students, especially new ones, some difficulties in classes should be expected and understood. For instance, a professor who talks too fast and/or does not give well-organized presentations; or a fellow students' comments that are incomprehensible because of slang. As time passes and you have more experience, these difficulties will diminish.
  • Maintain Balance in Your Life
    Students are expected to commit time, effort and initiative to their studies. However, it is wise to keep a healthy balance in your life by incorporating extra curricular activities, play and rest time into your schedule.

Consider Internships

Thunderbird students may earn academic credits and on-the-job experience by participating in full- or part-time internships. Requirements for internships vary among students.

Academic Requirements

Students wishing to enroll at Thunderbird must meet certain academic and English-speaking requirements. Visit the degree program page for more details or visit learn more about Thunderbird for basic information.