How does Harvard calculate GPA?

Hey everyone! I was wondering if anyone knew how Harvard calculates GPA for applicants. Do they use their own unique formula or do they adjust based on our own school's system? Thanks in advance!

Harvard, like many other selective colleges, recalculates GPA using a standardized scale that helps them compare students from different high schools fairly. They typically consider your GPA on a 4.0 unweighted scale, which means they convert all your course grades to a common scale (A = 4, B = 3, etc.) and don't give extra points for honors or AP classes.

While GPA is an essential factor, it's not the only one that admissions officers analyze. They also look at the rigor of the courses you've taken, the extent of your academic improvement or consistency throughout high school, and how you score in terms of class rank and your Academic Index (an internal metric derived from your grades and test scores, if available).

It's important to note that Harvard, along with other top colleges, practices a holistic review process. This means they look at many factors, including your extracurricular activities, essays, recommendation letters, and any unique aspects of your background while evaluating your application. As a result, having a strong GPA is essential, but it's also crucial to develop other parts of your application to increase your chances of admission.