Hey everyone, I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on how to combine my GPA from two different high schools. I transferred during my sophomore year and I'm not sure how to calculate my cumulative GPA for college applications. Thanks in advance!
Hey there! Combining your GPAs can be done by using a weighted average, by taking into account the credits earned at each high school. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
1. First, find out the number of credits earned in each high school for the courses you took. If you're unsure, you can ask your counselor or check your transcript.
2. Calculate the weighted GPA for each high school separately. Make sure to account for any differences in the scale (e.g. 4.0 vs 5.0) or weighting for honors/AP courses between the two schools. If you need help, your counselor should be able to assist you.
3. Multiply each weighted GPA by the corresponding number of credits earned at each school. This calculation will give you the total quality points earned for each school.
4. Add the total quality points from both schools together.
5. Add the total number of credits earned at both schools together.
6. Divide the combined total quality points by the combined total credits earned. This calculation will give you your final cumulative GPA.
Remember, college admissions officers will see your transcripts from both schools, so they'll be aware of your academic achievements throughout high school. Do also be aware that many schools recalculate all applicants' GPAs using their own methods, so the number you calculate may not be exactly the one admissions officers rely on in their decision-making process.
Having a clear explanation of your cumulative GPA calculation in the additional information section of your college applications may also be helpful, especially if the transfer process notably impacted your GPA (either positively or negatively).
While you don't want to put something in this optional section just for the sake of it, if your transfer process was important in shaping you into the student and person you are today, I'd check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which explains how to effectively utilize the additional information section: https://blog.collegevine.com/additional-information-about-commonapps-additional-information-section
I hope this information helps, and good luck with your college applications!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.