Can someone explain what a weighted GPA is?

I'm starting to work on my college applications, and I see 'weighted GPA' coming up everywhere. I understand my unweighted GPA, but what makes a GPA weighted? How do colleges view weighted GPAs compared to unweighted ones? Do AP and honors classes impact this, and if so, how? Also, if my school calculates GPAs differently, what steps should I take to make sure I accurately report my GPA on applications?

Sure! A weighted GPA accounts for the rigor of your coursework in addition to your grades. Harder classes (like AP, dual enrollment, and honors classes) have a larger impact on a weighted GPA compared to an unweighted one. Here's how it tends to work: regular courses weigh each grade on a 4.0 scale, while honors classes use a 4.5 or 5.0 scale, and AP or dual-enrollment classes use a 5.0 or sometimes even a 6.0 scale. So, an A in AP Biology might equate to a 5.0, whereas an A in regular Biology would equal a 4.0.

Colleges view weighted GPAs as a sign that students are pushing themselves academically and taking challenging courses. However, admissions offices will generally recalculate GPAs to ensure they're comparing students fairly because high schools can vary quite a bit in how they calculate weighted GPAs.

If your school calculates GPAs differently than the 4.0 scale, don't worry! Your transcripts, which universities will ask you to send in as part of your application, typically come with a profile of your school that includes information on the GPA scale. Still, you might want to clarify with your school's guidance counselor how your specific GPA was calculated.

For the application process, if a college instructs you to self-report your GPA, you should report it as your school calculates it. Some colleges may ask for you to convert it to a 4.0 scale, and in that case, they will usually provide instructions, or you can seek guidance from your school counselor. Hopefully, this clarifies things for you!