Hey guys! Quick question: should I submit my weighted or unweighted GPA when applying to college? Are there any specific situations where one would make more sense than the other? Thanks in advance!
Hey! Great question. When you're applying to college, you should actually submit both your weighted and unweighted GPAs, if possible. The reason is that colleges like to see both for different reasons.
Your unweighted GPA gives them a baseline understanding of your academic performance without any extra weight added from AP or honors courses. This helps them compare you to applicants on a more level playing field, especially since different schools may have different grading scales or weighting systems.
On the other hand, your weighted GPA demonstrates how well you performed in more rigorous courses (like AP, IB, or honors). It shows colleges that you challenged yourself and engaged with more difficult material. This is also an important piece of information for colleges to get a sense of your academic stamina and ability.
When filling out your application, you'll likely be asked to provide both GPAs or your school's guidance office will include both in your transcript. If, for some reason, you can only submit one GPA (which is quite rare), it's best to reach out to the specific colleges you're applying to and ask for their preference in that case.
Ultimately, colleges will look at both GPAs in conjunction with the rigor of your coursework and your overall academic performance. Good luck with your applications!
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