Understanding the GPA calculations at specific schools

Hey fellow applicants! I'm curious about how GPA is calculated at schools like Texas Tech, Tulane, and UC Davis. Do they use weighted, unweighted, or recalculated GPA, and how can I predict how my GPA will be viewed by these schools? Thanks in advance!

Hi there! Each of the schools you mentioned — Texas Tech, Tulane, and UC Davis — approach GPA calculations slightly differently.

Texas Tech University typically looks at your weighted GPA, which includes any additional points you receive for taking advanced courses such as AP or honors classes. They consider your entire high school transcript (including grades from extracurricular classes) for the admissions process.

Tulane University, on the other hand, recalculates your GPA using a core 4.0 system. They focus on the core academic courses and apply a weight to certain advanced courses, like AP, IB, and Honors classes. This allows them to evaluate applicants on a somewhat level playing field, regardless of variations in high school grading methods.

UC Davis also calculates a weighted and capped GPA, but they use their specific UC system GPA formula. This takes into account grades in a-g courses taken during 10th and 11th grade, with an additional point added for each UC-approved honors course (capped at 8 semesters). UC Davis does not factor in pluses or minuses in their GPA calculations.

While there isn't a specific tool that calculates your GPA exactly as these schools do, you can start by calculating your core unweighted GPA (on a 4.0 scale) and your weighted GPA as per your school's weighting system. For UC Davis, you can visit the University of California website to find their GPA calculator. Remember, these are just estimates, and the actual numbers might differ slightly when the schools evaluate your transcript.

Good luck with your applications!