If I Have a 78, What Do I Need on My Final?
The full table: from a 78, at every common weight
| Target | Final = 15% | Final = 20% | Final = 30% | Final = 40% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pass with D (63%) | 0%* | 3% | 28% | 40.5% |
| Keep a C (73%) | 44.7% | 53% | 61.3% | 65.5% |
| Reach C+ (77%) | 71.3% | 73% | 74.7% | 75.5% |
| Reach B− (80%) | 91.3% | 88% | 84.7% | 83% |
| Reach B (83%) | 111.3% ✗ | 103% ✗ | 94.7% | 90.5% |
| Reach A− (90%) | ✗ | ✗ | 118% ✗ | 108% ✗ |
*Already secured — even a zero keeps you above this target. ✗ = requires more than 100%, not achievable through the final alone.
What this table teaches
Two patterns worth noticing. First, defending a grade is cheap; climbing is expensive. From a 78, holding your C takes a 50–65% final — but each letter grade above costs roughly 10 extra points on the exam. Second, heavier finals make climbing easier and falling harder. The B that's impossible at 15% weight needs "only" 90.5% at 40% weight — the same lever that could sink you.
Strategic takeaway: if you're at a 78 and the B− is realistic (84.7% at 30% weight), focus your studying there rather than chasing an impossible A. A targeted goal beats a vague "do my best."
Try it yourself: Final Grade Calculator
Your real grade isn't exactly 78? Enter your exact numbers and get your exact answer.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 78 a bad grade to have going into a final?
A 78 is a C+ — solidly passing with room to climb. At typical college weights (20–30%), a strong final turns it into a B−; a weak one can still leave you passing. It's one of the most 'live' positions to be in.
What's the highest grade possible from a 78?
At a 30% final weight, a perfect 100% would land you at 84.6% — a solid B. At 40% weight, a perfect final reaches 86.8%. The A range is out of reach at any common weight.
My grade is 78.5 — does the half point matter?
Yes, especially near letter boundaries. A 78.5 needs about 1–2 fewer points on the final for each target than a flat 78. Use your exact decimal in the calculator.