It is the goal of many students to receive the grade of "A" in a course. Students typically aim to boost their grade point averages, maintain scholarships, and of course gain the most information possible from class. There are very few who aim to receive an average or below average (and failing) score. This generally is not the initial goal, but sometimes happens due to various reasons during the process of taking the course. There are also some students who do not have a clear picture of what is expected from them in the duration of class.

It is great for students to expect good grades and have this intention, but what does it really mean? It means that there will need to be a tremendous amount of work and dedication in order to achieve the desired grade.
Here is one way to interpret the breakdown of a letter grade.

A = Excellent
When a student has mastered excellent achievement in a course the grade of "A" is received. This is indicative of performing tasks in the course that exceeds above and beyond the objectives. This student understands the concepts in the course, and has mastered them. The student has submitted work that is reflective of the mastery of the course material.

ie: submitting all assignments on time that exceed requirements and adds additional value to the additional assignment.

B = Great
When a student has met great achievement in a course the grade of "B" is received. This is indicative of performing tasks in the course that are above average, beyond the objectives, but not full mastery as with a grade of "A". This student understands the concepts in the course, and has exceeded them. The student has submitted work that is reflective of some mastery of the course material.

ie: submitting all assignments on time that exceed some requirements.

C = Satisfactory
When a student has met average achievement in a course the grade of "C" is received. This is indicative of performing tasks in the course that are average, satisfactory and meeting requirements. This student understands the concepts in the course, and have achieved them. The student has submitted work that is reflective of understanding the course material.

ie: submitting all assignments on time that meets requirements.

D = Needs Improvement
When a student has met below average achievement in a course the grade of "D" is received. This is indicative of performing some tasks in the course but not fully meeting requirements and understanding concepts of the course material. This student may understand minimal concepts in the course, but falls short of meeting the requirements.

ie: submitting some assignments on time that meets some of the requirements.

F = Failing
When a student has met failing achievement in a course the grade of "F" is received. This is indicative of not meeting requirements for performing tasks in the course. This student has not demonstrated an understanding of the material, and the performance of the material received is not enough to give credit for.

ie: submitting some assignments but failing to meet enough requirements.