Can someone please explain what's considered a perfect GPA? I know there are weighted and unweighted GPAs, and I'm confused about how they are different and what colleges are looking for. Thanks in advance!
A perfect GPA can be viewed in terms of both unweighted and weighted GPAs. Let's break down the differences between the two and how colleges consider them.
Unweighted GPA
An unweighted GPA is measured on a scale of 0.0 to 4.0, with 4.0 being the highest possible score. This scale considers only your course letter grades, without taking into account the course's rigor or level. With an unweighted GPA, an A in any course, whether it's a regular, honors, or AP course, equates to a 4.0. In this context, a perfect GPA would be a 4.0.
Weighted GPA
A weighted GPA, on the other hand, takes into account the rigor of the courses you've taken. For example, honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses receive a higher numerical value when calculating your GPA, typically on a scale of 0.0 to 5.0 (or higher in some cases). In this system, an A in an honors course might be worth a 4.5, and an A in an AP course could equate to a 5.0. A perfect weighted GPA would be the highest possible number based on the specific scale used by your school, often a 5.0 or higher.
When it comes to college admissions, colleges understand that different high schools have varying GPA scales and systems. While many colleges recalibrate your GPA based on their internal scale, they generally focus more on the overall academic profile of applicants than a specific GPA value. They will consider factors such as your course rigor, the types of classes taken, and how you perform relative to your peers.
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