Quick question: Is GPA usually measured on a 4.0 or 5.0 scale? I've heard both and I just want some clarification.
GPA is typically measured on a 4.0 scale, which means the highest GPA you can achieve is a 4.0. This scale represents unweighted GPAs, where each A is worth 4 points, B is worth 3 points, C is worth 2 points, and so on.
However, some high schools use a weighted GPA system, especially when Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or honors courses are offered. In these cases, a 5.0 scale may be used to account for the increased rigor of these advanced courses. For example, an A in an AP class might be worth 5.0 points instead of 4.0. The weighted GPA can exceed a 4.0 when a student performs well in these advanced courses.
When applying to colleges, admissions officers primarily focus on the unweighted GPA on the 4.0 scale. However, they'll also look at the rigor of your coursework and consider your weighted GPA to better understand how you performed in advanced classes. It's essential to provide the scale your school uses when submitting your GPA information during the application process.
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