Can someone explain how the unweighted GPA scale works? I've been focusing on improving my grades, and I'm a bit confused about how my performance translates into an unweighted GPA. Any tips on how to track this accurately?
Sure, I'd be happy to explain! An unweighted GPA is calculated on a scale of 0 to 4.0, regardless of how difficult your high school classes are. Here's a standard conversion chart, which can vary slightly between high schools:
- An A (90-100%) typically equals 4.0
- A B (80-89%) is typically a 3.0
- A C (70-79%) is typically a 2.0
- A D (60-69%) is typically a 1.0
- An F (below 60%) is a 0.0
This scale doesn't account for the rigor of your classes. That is, a "B" in a more difficult course like AP Physics and a "B" in a regular course like general Biology, both are considered as 3.0 in the calculation of unweighted GPA.
So, to accurately calculate your unweighted GPA, you'll need to assign a numerical value to each of your grades according to the scale I shared above. Then, you add up all of these numerical values and divide by the total number of classes. This will give you your unweighted GPA.
If your school calculates GPA on a different scale or a different letter grade range, try to convert your grades to the 4.0 scale to make it easier to compare with other students or colleges' statistics. Also remember to keep track of your grades consistently, so that you can calculate and monitor your GPA over the course of your high school career.
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