Unweighted GPA importance?

How much do colleges really care about unweighted GPA as opposed to weighted GPA? Should I be more focused on taking harder classes or maintaining a high unweighted GPA?

Both unweighted and weighted GPAs matter to colleges, but the importance placed on them will vary depending on the institution. In general, colleges tend to care more about the rigor of the courses you have taken than your weighted GPA, as this demonstrates your willingness to challenge yourself and your ability to handle a demanding academic workload. Your unweighted GPA, on the other hand, serves as a more straightforward measure of your overall academic performance.

That being said, you should aim to balance the rigor of your courses with maintaining a high unweighted GPA. Colleges want to see that you're not only taking challenging classes but also performing well in them. If you can excel in rigorous courses and maintain a high unweighted GPA, it will set you apart in the admissions process.

One thing to keep in mind is that colleges will look at your transcript and consider the context of your high school. If your school offers a lot of AP or IB classes, they will expect you to have taken some, but they will also understand that not every high school has the same offerings. Therefore, admissions officers will evaluate your performance within your school's structure and take note of how well you've taken advantage of the opportunities available to you.

In summary, ideally, you should focus on both taking harder classes and maintaining a high unweighted GPA. Challenge yourself with more difficult courses but don't overload yourself to the point where your unweighted GPA suffers. Striking a balance between the two is key to showcasing both your academic ability and dedication to the admissions committees.