What's the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?

Hey everyone! I'm a junior working on my college applications, and I'm a bit confused about the difference between weighted and unweighted GPAs. Could anyone please explain the difference, and what colleges generally prefer? Many thanks!

Hello! Don't worry, it's a common question. The main difference between weighted and unweighted GPAs lies in the way advanced courses like AP, IB, and honors classes are factored into the calculation.

Unweighted GPA is calculated on a simple 4.0 scale where A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, and F = 0. It doesn't take into consideration the rigor or difficulty level of the courses you've taken. For example, an A in an AP class and an A in a regular class are both worth 4 points with unweighted GPAs.

Weighted GPA, on the other hand, adds extra points to account for the advanced courses you've taken. When calculating a weighted GPA, an A in an AP, IB, or honors class might be worth a 5, 4.5, or 4.3, depending on the school's system. This means a student who has taken tougher classes and achieved good grades can have a weighted GPA higher than 4.0.

As for what colleges prefer, they don't necessarily prefer one over the other. Colleges typically recalculate your GPA using their own method, which takes into account the rigor of your classes. Admissions teams often look at both your weighted and unweighted GPA, but what's more important is the context of your high school, the courses you've taken, and your performance in those courses.

To sum up, unweighted GPA is calculated on a standard 4.0 scale, while weighted GPA includes extra points for advanced courses. Colleges usually evaluate both, but they will consider your course selection and the context of your academic achievements when assessing your application. Hope that clears things up! Good luck with your college applications!