How do colleges calculate GPA?

I'm a bit confused about how most colleges calculate a student's GPA. Does anyone have an idea or explanation as to how this works?

Each college might have its own method for calculating GPA, but many use a standard 4.0 scale where an A equals 4.0, a B equals 3.0, a C equals 2.0, a D equals 1.0, and an F equals 0.0. This calculation might slightly differ depending on if your high school uses a weighted or unweighted GPA scale.

In an unweighted GPA, this calculation is relatively straightforward: each letter grade is assigned its numerical equivalent, those are averaged, and that's your GPA on a 4.0 scale. This means honors, AP or IB classes hold the same weight as standard ones.

A weighted GPA, on the other hand, adds extra points for harder courses. For instance, an A in an AP or honours classes might be a 5.0 instead of 4.0, reflecting the greater challenge. In simple terms, it acknowledges the difficulty level of the coursework taken.

Colleges often "recalculate" your GPA during the admission process. They do this to standardize the various grading scales used by different high schools. Some colleges also calculate a GPA that's specific to your major, in which for example only the grades for your core courses are considered. Similarly, some universities specify different GPA scales, so it's crucial to check the specific institution's instructions.

Keep in mind that while GPA is significant, it's just one part of your application. Other aspects, like essays, recommendation letters, extracurricular activities, and standardized test scores, also play crucial roles in college admissions.