Is it possible to have an unweighted GPA above 4.0? I've heard some schools have different scales, but I'm not sure if this is true. Anyone here have any info on that?
It's important to clarify the difference between unweighted and weighted GPAs. Unweighted GPAs are generally based on a 4.0 scale, where an A (or 90%+ depending on the scale) is worth 4 points, a B is 3 points, and so on. In this traditional unweighted GPA system, the maximum attainable GPA is 4.0. This represents a student receiving all A's in their classes.
Weighted GPAs, on the other hand, allow for numbers higher than 4.0, because they factor in the rigor of the classes taken. For example, when a student takes Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, they might receive an extra point for those classes, making an A worth 5 points for a weighted GPA. So in this case, it is possible to have a GPA above 4.0, but only within the weighted GPA system.
You mentioned that some schools may have different scales, and that is true; although the 4.0 scale is the most common, some schools use alternative scales like 5.0, 6.0, or even 7.0. In these less common scales, the GPA might appear to be above 4.0, but the scale is different, and therefore, they are not directly comparable to a traditional 4.0 scale.
In summary, an unweighted GPA on a traditional 4.0 scale cannot be above 4.0, and any GPA that appears to be higher is likely coming from a different scale or is a weighted GPA that factors in course rigor.
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