Final answer:
To raise one's GPA in college, one should focus on increasing study hours and maintaining consistent class attendance, as these factors are weighted significantly in the GPA calculation model. Since the SAT score is already set for current students, improving upon the other two variables is the viable strategy for GPA enhancement.
Step-by-step explanation:
To graduate with a required cumulative grade point average, an understanding of how GPA is calculated becomes essential. According to the given equation, GPA is determined by three factors: the combined SAT score, class attendance, and the hours spent studying, with the latter having twice the significance in the calculation. The GPA model can be represented as follows: GPA = 0.25 x combined_SAT + 0.25 x class_attendance + 0.50 x hours_spent studying. Given how study time is weighted, the most effective way to raise one's GPA is by increasing the number of hours dedicated to studying. Consistent class attendance is also crucial since it shares an equivalent weight to the SAT score, which, for current college students, is a fixed past variable.
In scenarios where educators perceive a gap between GPA and expected competencies, such as writing skills mentioned by a large-city newspaper publisher, it reinforces the need for students to focus on skill development. A high GPA might open doors, but it is the mastery of skills associated with high academic achievement that ultimately contributes to success in the professional world.