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Duke University
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UCLA
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Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

How is high school GPA calculated?

I'm a little confused about calculating high school GPA. How do schools typically calculate GPA, and how can I calculate my own? Is there a difference between weighted and unweighted GPAs?

a year ago

Calculating high school GPA can vary slightly between schools, but there's a general process to follow. I'll explain the basics of how to calculate both unweighted and weighted GPAs.

Unweighted GPA is calculated using a scale from 0 to 4.0, where each letter grade is assigned a corresponding value: A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, and F=0. To calculate your unweighted GPA, follow these steps:

1. Assign a numerical value to each final grade you received in your classes (e.g., A, B, C) based on the scale mentioned above.

2. Add the values together.

3. Divide the sum by the total number of classes you took.

Here's an example: If you received 3 A's, 4 B's, and 1 C, your unweighted GPA would be calculated as follows: (3x4 + 4x3 + 1x2) / 8 = 26 / 8 = 3.25

Weighted GPA, on the other hand, takes into account the difficulty level of the classes you've taken (e.g., honors, AP, IB courses). Schools usually have their own weighting scales, so it's essential to check with your school's counseling office to understand the specifics. Generally, additional points are added to the corresponding numerical value for each grade in advanced courses:

- Honors courses usually add 0.5 points.

- AP or IB courses usually add 1 point.

Using the same example from above but with 2 A's in AP courses and 1 B in an honors course, your weighted GPA would be calculated as follows: (2x(4+1) + 1x(4+0.5) + 3x3 + 1x2) / 8 = 30.5 / 8 = 3.81

Remember, this example is generic, and your school's specific weighting system may differ. Check with your high school counselor to know your school's exact method for calculating weighted GPAs.

a year ago

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