HPA or GPA: Which One Matters More?

I've heard of both GPA and HPA and I'm a little confused. Does one carry more weight in the college admissions process or do colleges look at both? Any guidance on this?

In the college admissions process, both GPA (Grade Point Average) and HPA (Honors Point Average (Weighted)) are important, but their significance can vary depending on the college and its admission policies. Let me explain the difference between the two and how they might be considered.

GPA refers to a student's unweighted grade point average, which is calculated using a 4.0 scale, where an A equals 4 points, a B equals 3, and so on. GPA is a reflection of a student's performance in terms of raw letter grades across all courses.

HPA, on the other hand, is the weighted grade point average, which takes into account the rigor of a student's course load. This means that advanced courses, such as AP (Advanced Placement) or IB (International Baccalaureate) courses, are given additional weight.

For example, an A in an advanced course might be worth 5 points, rather than 4. HPA is useful for showcasing the academic challenge that a student has taken on and their success within those more demanding courses.

When colleges review an applicant's academic performance, they will likely consider both GPA and HPA. However, they will also pay attention to course rigor and how well a student has performed in their most challenging classes. Admissions officers want to see that applicants have pushed themselves academically and have taken advantage of the resources available to them.

In summary, both GPA and HPA hold weight in the college admissions process, but the overall context of course rigor and performance in advanced classes is just as important. Focusing on maintaining a strong GPA while also participating in challenging courses will ultimately be the most beneficial for your college applications.