Weighted GPA vs Unweighted GPA?

I've seen both weighted and unweighted GPAs on various transcripts and applications, but I'm still not entirely clear on the difference. Can anyone explain the difference between a weighted and an unweighted GPA?

Weighted and unweighted GPAs are two methods used to calculate a student's grade point average (GPA) based on their academic performance. The main difference lies in how they account for the difficulty level of the courses taken.

An unweighted GPA is a straightforward calculation that is based on a 4.0 scale. In this system, each letter grade is assigned a specific value (A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, and F=0), regardless of the difficulty level of the courses. All the course grades are then averaged to find the unweighted GPA. This method does not differentiate between regular, honors, or Advanced Placement (AP) classes, giving equal weight to all classes.

On the other hand, a weighted GPA factors in the difficulty level of the courses taken. Weighted GPAs typically use a higher scale, often 5.0 or 6.0, for honors, AP or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes. This means that a student who receives an A in an honors or AP class will receive a higher value for that grade (5 or 6 points, depending on the scale) as compared to a student who receives an A in a regular-level class (4 points). The weighted GPA calculation takes into account not only the students' grades but also the rigor of the courses they've taken, which can be beneficial for college applications.

When applying to college, it's important to note that colleges tend to consider both weighted and unweighted GPAs. They usually recalculate applicants' GPAs using their own scales and guidelines to ensure a fair comparison between students from different high schools with diverse grading systems. Additionally, college admissions officers also consider factors such as the rigor of your course load and your performance within the context of your school.

In summary, the key difference between weighted and unweighted GPAs is that weighted GPAs consider the difficulty level of the courses taken, while unweighted GPAs do not. Both GPAs might be used in the college application process, but admissions officers will also look at other factors to evaluate your academic performance holistically.