There are a variety of different GPA scales (more on that later), but most schools have standardized on a 4.0 scale. That means someone that got perfect grades (straight As) would have a 4.0 GPA.

Experts say a 4.0 GPA, which is straight A's, can be difficult to maintain throughout college. "Unless a student is very focused from the beginning … that is going to be a difficult challenge ...