What does GPA scale mean?

I've been hearing about GPA scales lately, and I'm kinda confused. Can someone explain what a GPA scale means and how it affects my high school GPA?

A GPA (Grade Point Average) scale refers to the numerical range used to measure a student's academic performance. There are different types of GPA scales, but the two most common ones are the 4.0 scale and the 5.0 scale. These scales represent the maximum GPA a student can achieve based on their academic performance.

On a 4.0 scale, the highest GPA a student can achieve is a 4.0, which represents an A or A+ average across all courses. This scale typically assigns a numeric value to each letter grade as follows:

- A (90-100%): 4.0

- B (80-89%): 3.0

- C (70-79%): 2.0

- D (60-69%): 1.0

- F (0-59%): 0

The 5.0 scale, on the other hand, is commonly used in high schools offering rigorous coursework such as AP (Advanced Placement) or IB (International Baccalaureate) classes. On this scale, the highest GPA a student can achieve is a 5.0, which represents an A or A+ in advanced courses. For non-advanced courses in schools using this system, the cap remains at 4.0. The numeric value assigned to each letter grade in advanced classes is usually incremented by 1 compared to the 4.0 scale. For example:

- A (90-100%) in an advanced course: 5.0

- B (80-89%) in an advanced course: 4.0

- C (70-79%) in an advanced course: 3.0

- D (60-69%) in an advanced course: 2.0

- F (0-59%) in an advanced course: 0

When applying to colleges, institutions often ask students to report their GPA. Colleges may convert your GPA into a unified scale for comparison purposes since high schools often use different grading scales. It's also important to note that most colleges consider the rigor of your coursework in addition to your GPA, so taking advanced classes and performing well in them can strengthen your application.

To calculate your GPA:

1. Convert each of your letter grades into their corresponding numeric value based on the scale utilized by your high school.

2. Multiply the numeric value by the number of credits for each course.

3. Add the total numeric values for each course.

4. Divide the sum obtained in step 3 by the total number of course credits.

In summary, a "GPA scale" refers to the range used to measure academic performance and assign a numerical value to letter grades. Understanding the GPA scale used by your high school and how it fits into the context of college admissions is essential to accurately assess your academic standing during the application process.