Weighted or Unweighted GPA: What do Colleges Consider?

Hi there! So, I've been thinking about college applications and I'm a little confused. Do colleges usually focus on weighted or unweighted GPAs during the admissions process? If it varies, how can I find out which one my target schools consider?

Hi! This is a common question, and the answer can vary depending on the college. In general, colleges look at both weighted and unweighted GPAs, but different institutions may place varying levels of emphasis on each.

Weighted GPAs can be particularly useful for schools to see how well you performed in more rigorous courses, such as AP or IB classes. On the other hand, unweighted GPAs enable colleges to evaluate your performance on a more standardized scale, as all students' grades are out of a 4.0.

To determine how your target schools view weighted vs. unweighted GPAs, you can look up their admissions criteria or contact their admissions offices for more specific information. Many colleges will provide a range of average GPAs for admitted students on their websites, which can give you an idea of what they consider acceptable.

Some schools also recalculate students' GPAs using their own system, to only factor in core academic classes, for example. If the college has this kind of policy, they will likely say so on their admissions page, and you can also always reach out to the admissions office directly for clarification.

Additionally, keep in mind that most colleges use a holistic admissions approach. While your GPA is undoubtedly important, they'll also consider other aspects of your application, such as standardized test scores (if required), extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendation letters. It's essential to focus on these elements as well to present a well-rounded application.

In summary, colleges consider both weighted and unweighted GPAs when evaluating applicants, but the emphasis placed on each can vary by institution. Research your target schools' admissions criteria and contact their admissions offices for more information to better understand their preferences. And remember to focus on other aspects of your application to present a strong, well-rounded profile.

If you want to learn more about weighted vs unweighted GPA, and the importance of each in the college process, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/is-weighted-or-unweighted-gpa-more-important/. Good luck!