Differences between unweighted and weighted GPA?

I'm feeling a bit confused about GPAs. Can someone explain what the differences are between unweighted and weighted GPA? How do colleges view each of these when reviewing applications?

Sure, I'd be happy to explain!

Let's start with your unweighted GPA. An unweighted GPA is the average of all your grades on the 4.0 scale. Basically, each course your take is worth the same amount, regardless of its difficulty level. As such, A's count as 4.0, B's as 3.0, and so on.

On the other hand, a weighted GPA takes into account both the grades and the difficulty levels of the courses. Some schools assign additional points for advanced level courses such as AP, IB, or Honor courses so that an A in such a course might equate to a 5.0 or 4.5, instead of the standard 4.0. Weighted GPAs can often go above a 4.0 because of these additional points. The intention is to reward students for tackling more challenging coursework.

In terms of how colleges view these two GPAs, it varies from school to school. Some colleges recalculate all GPAs onto their own scale so that they can compare all their applicants on a level playing field. Others look at the GPAs that high schools provide.

What colleges usually want to see is that you have challenged yourself academically. They want you to do well in your courses, but also see that you've taken rigorous classes where you can. An A grade in an advanced course will generally impress an admissions officer more than an A in a lower-level course.

That said, it's crucial to find a balance. While it's beneficial to challenge yourself, overloading on advanced courses that you may not have the time or skills to handle could lower your GPA, which can also negatively impact your application.

If you're unsure what level of difficulty to aim for in your own course selection, it might be helpful to seek advice from a mentor, teacher, counselor, or college admissions consultant who understands your academic strengths and weaknesses. By carefully selecting courses that challenge you but don't overwhelm you, you're more likely to maintain a strong GPA, which is an important part of your college application.