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Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

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How is the high school GPA calculated?

Hey everyone, I'm a bit confused about how a high school GPA is calculated. I've heard that it's out of a 4.0 or a 5.0 scale depending on weighted or unweighted classes, but I'm not exactly sure how it works. Can someone explain it to me? Thanks!

9 months ago

Hi! Sure, I'd be happy to help explain how high school GPAs are calculated. There are two types of GPAs: unweighted and weighted. Both types use a scale, with the unweighted GPA using a 4.0 scale and the weighted GPA typically using a 5.0 scale, although some schools may use a different scale for weighted GPAs. Here's a breakdown of each type:

1. Unweighted GPA: This is based on a 4.0 scale, where each letter grade corresponds to a specific value:

- A (90-100%): 4.0

- B (80-89%): 3.0

- C (70-79%): 2.0

- D (60-69%): 1.0

- F (0-59%): 0.0

To calculate your unweighted GPA, you need to assign a value to each of your letter grades, add them together, and then divide the total by the number of classes you've taken. For example, if you received an A, B, and C, your unweighted GPA for those three courses would be (4.0+3.0+2.0)/3 = 3.0.

2. Weighted GPA: This takes into account the difficulty of your courses, which usually means giving extra points to honors, Advanced Placement (AP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes, making the scale often range up to 5.0 instead of 4.0. The process is similar to calculating unweighted GPA, but the values differ:

- A in a regular class: 4.0

- A in an honors/AP/IB class: 5.0

- B in a regular class: 3.0

- B in an honors/AP/IB class: 4.0

- C in a regular class: 2.0

- C in an honors/AP/IB class: 3.0

- D in a regular class: 1.0

- D in an honors/AP/IB class: 2.0

- F in any class: 0.0

To calculate your weighted GPA, follow the same process as for the unweighted GPA but use the adjusted point values for your honors, AP, or IB classes. Keep in mind that schools may have their own specific methods for adjusting point values, and some may have unique rules for certain courses or programs.

By understanding both your unweighted and weighted GPA, you can better assess your academic performance and know how it might be viewed by colleges during the admissions process. Good luck!

9 months ago

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