Boosting your GPA past 4.0, is that a real thing?

Hey folks, always heard some peers talk about having GPAs higher than 4.0. I'm trying to figure out the truth of this matter. How is it possible to get a GPA higher than 4.0? I'm really curious... Would anyone like to shed some light?

Hello! The traditional GPA scale goes up to 4.0, which represents an A average, but many high schools use a weighted GPA scale that goes higher than this. Here's how it works:

In the weighted GPA system, advanced classes—like Honors, AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment classes—are scaled up. For example, an A in an AP course could be equivalent to a 5.0 rather than a 4.0. This additional weight allows students who take advanced courses to score a GPA higher than 4.0.

It's important to note that not all high schools use a weighted GPA system, and not all colleges consider weighted GPAs in admissions. Furthermore, each high school might calculate its weighted GPAs differently, while colleges usually recalculate GPAs based on their own scale.

In any case, whether your GPA is weighted or unweighted, it's crucial to strive for strong academic performance, especially in the most challenging courses available to you. A more rigorous course load can demonstrate your ability to succeed in a college environment.