Weighted GPA vs Unweighted?

Hi guys! Can someone please explain the difference between a weighted and an unweighted GPA? How do colleges view them differently in the admissions process?

The main difference between a weighted and an unweighted GPA is how they account for the rigor of the courses a student takes. Let me explain both.

Unweighted GPA is calculated on a scale of 0.0 to 4.0, with 4.0 being the highest. In an unweighted GPA, all classes are considered equal, which means an A in an advanced course is considered the same as an A in a regular course. It doesn't account for the difficulty of the courses a student takes. For example, a student with an unweighted GPA of 3.8 earned mostly A's in all courses, regardless of their level of difficulty.

Weighted GPA, on the other hand, takes into account the additional challenge and effort required to succeed in advanced courses such as honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) classes. In a weighted system, A's in rigorous courses are assigned a higher value than in regular courses (for example, 5.0 instead of 4.0). As a result, a student's weighted GPA can be higher than 4.0 if they have taken multiple advanced courses. This allows colleges to understand the academic rigor of an applicant's high school transcript.

When it comes to college admissions, colleges often consider both weighted and unweighted GPAs. They acknowledge the additional challenge of advanced courses, which is reflected in a weighted GPA. However, since high schools may use different grading scales and weighting systems, colleges will often recalculate applicants' GPAs according to their own standards, using the course information available on transcripts. This helps them compare applicants more fairly, regardless of their high school's specific grading system.

Furthermore, colleges look at more than just your GPA in the admissions process. They take a holistic approach, evaluating factors such as standardized test scores (if required), extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations. It's essential to excel academically and display rigor in your course selection, but it's also important to demonstrate personal growth, leadership abilities, and genuine interests beyond your academic performance.