How does an unweighted GPA work?

I'm trying to calculate my GPA and I'm a bit confused about what an unweighted GPA is. How is it different from a weighted GPA, and how do colleges usually view it in applications?

Certainly, an unweighted GPA is a metric that schools use to quantify a student's academic success. Unlike a weighted GPA, which takes into account the difficulty level of a student's classes, an unweighted GPA treats all classes as if they were of the same difficulty.

Here's a prime example: whether you're taking an AP calculus course or a standard geometry class, an A in either would equate to a 4.0 on the unweighted GPA scale. A B is a 3.0, a C is a 2.0, and so on.

Now, in regards to how colleges view it: unweighted GPAs can provide a broad picture of a student's academic performance. It serves as a numerical representation of their overall scholastic achievement. While a weighted GPA can highlight a student's ability to handle complex coursework, an unweighted GPA grants admission committees an understanding of their all-around success across various subjects.

However, most colleges don't just consider either the unweighted or weighted GPA. Instead, they typically employ a holistic admissions process, where they review the courses you took in high school, the grades you received in those classes, as well as other factors like extracurricular activities and essays.

Remember, whether a school prefers weighted or unweighted GPA can vary, so it's important to research specific admission requirements for each of your prospective schools. Generally speaking though, colleges are interested in the rigor of the courses you've taken in context of the grades you've received. This means a mix of challenging courses (such as AP or Honors level) and high grades usually provides a stronger impression than a high unweighted GPA alone.