Weighted vs. unweighted GPA: How important is each?

My school offers both unweighted and weighted GPAs, and I'm not sure which one colleges care about more. Can someone explain the difference and how colleges prioritize each during admissions?

Sure, I'd be glad to help clarify the weighted vs. unweighted GPA for you. When it comes to GPA, colleges tend to consider both in their admissions process.

Unweighted GPA is calculated out of a 4.0 scale and considers all classes equally, which means an A in an advanced (AP, honors, etc.) course and an A in a regular class both count as a 4.0.

Weighted GPA, on the other hand, is calculated on a scale that typically goes up to a 5.0. It takes into account the difficulty of the coursework, with advanced courses allowing for a higher GPA. For example, if you receive an A in an AP class, it would be considered a 5.0 rather than a 4.0, given the increased rigor of the course.

Regarding your question of college priorities: many colleges recalibrate all GPAs, using their own methodology, in order to compare students from different high schools on an equal footing. This allows institutions to take the rigor of your course load into account, preferring students who challenge themselves with harder classes when they have the option.

However, every school's approach varies somewhat: some pay more attention to your unweighted GPA, wanting to know how you performed without any adjustment for course rigor. Others are more interested in weighted GPA as an indicator of how you've chosen to challenge yourself academically.

In conclusion, both GPAs matter, so focus on doing your best. Also, try to challenge yourself with rigorous coursework (AP/IB courses,/or honors) whenever possible, as colleges appreciate seeing that you're pushing yourself academically.

Please check with individual colleges or universities you're interested in to understand how they evaluate GPAs.