How does the Naval Academy calculate GPA?

Trying to understand how the Naval Academy assesses academic performance. Do they weigh AP/IB courses differently, or are they just straight A's and B's? Any insights into how the GPA is computed would help a lot!

When assessing your academic standing, the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) uses the concept of an Academic Quality Point Rating (AQPR), which is the equivalent of a GPA. However, it's different from the traditional high school GPA as it's recalculated based on the USNA's grading scale, not your school's.

In your AQPR, standard classes are weighted on a 4.0 scale. AP, IB, and honors classes receive a higher weight, reflecting the difficulty and rigor of these classes compared to normal high school classes. So, for instance, an 'A' in an AP or IB class is worth more in the scaling system than an 'A' in a standard class.

Also, the USNA takes into account the reputation of your high school, the competitiveness of the curriculum, and the general rank-in-class of a student. Demonstrating that you have challenged yourself in your coursework can help your application stand out, as the Naval Academy places a significant emphasis on academic rigor.

However, please note that while your AQPR is a significant determinant in admissions, the USNA uses a "whole-person" admission process. This means that alongside academic scores, they also weigh factors like physical aptitude, personal character, extracurricular activities, and leadership qualities.

In conclusion, while weighted GPA matters, it's crucial to balance it with other components of your application to project a well-rounded profile. This will increase your chances of getting into the Naval Academy.