I'm trying to figure out my GPA and how it stacks up. How exactly do you calculate the weighted vs. unweighted GPA, and which one do colleges care about more?
Hi there! It's wonderful that you're looking into GPA calculations—it's a big part of your academic profile. An unweighted GPA is usually on a scale of 4.0 and doesn't take the difficulty of your courses into account. So, an A in AP Biology and an A in regular Biology both count as a 4.0. To calculate it, assign each of your grades a corresponding value (A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0), average them, and that's your unweighted GPA.
Weighted GPA, on the other hand, gives extra points for honors/AP/IB classes. For instance, an A in an AP class might be a 5.0 rather than a 4.0. The scale typically goes up to 5.0 but can vary by school. You'll have to check how your school weights these courses.
Colleges generally look at both. The weighted GPA shows them how you've taken on challenges and higher-level courses, while the unweighted GPA provides a baseline to compare all students fairly. If your transcript has a mix of AP/honors and regular classes, both GPAs will matter. Don't worry, admissions officers look at the context of your coursework and your school's particular grading system. Good luck!
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