Weighted or Unweighted GPA for College Apps?

When submitting my GPA on college applications, should I use my weighted or unweighted number? Which one do colleges care more about?

When reporting your GPA on college applications, it is essential to follow the specific guidelines provided by each college or university. Generally, most college applications will ask for both your weighted and unweighted GPA. If the application only asks for one, offer your unweighted GPA, as it provides a more standardized comparison across students from different high schools. Remember, colleges will have access to your transcript, which usually has both your weighted and unweighted GPA and information about course rigor.

Colleges approach both GPAs differently. Unweighted GPA (on a 4.0 scale) allows colleges to gauge your academic performance without the influence of honors, AP, or IB courses. On the other hand, your weighted GPA (on a scale that goes beyond 4.0) highlights your academic performance while taking into account the difficulty of your coursework. Colleges want to see that you challenged yourself, so a high weighted GPA can provide evidence of that.

However, rather than solely focusing on either weighted or unweighted GPAs, colleges typically emphasize the context of your GPA. Admission officers take into account factors like course rigor, trends in your academic performance, and how you compare to other applicants from your high school. They may recalibrate your GPA based on their unique criteria to get an accurate comparison with other applicants. Your GPA is just one piece of the puzzle; colleges consider other aspects of your application too, such as standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.

In summary, while both weighted and unweighted GPAs have their importance, colleges will consider your academic performance in a broader context. Be sure to follow the guidelines for each college application regarding reporting your GPA, and remember that both types of GPAs can provide valuable information for the admissions committee.