Weighted or Unweighted GPA - which carries most weight?

Super uncertain junior here. Do universities look at weighted or unweighted GPA? I mean, AP classes aren't for nothing, right? What do you guys know?

While the terminology of weighted and unweighted GPA may seem confusing, the reality is that both are considered in the college admissions process, but in different ways.

Let's talk about unweighted GPA first. This refers to a scale from 0 to 4.0, with no consideration given to the rigor of your coursework. In other words, an A in AP Calculus and an A in a regular math class would both be counted as 4.0 in an unweighted GPA. This score provides colleges with a basic understanding of your academic performance.

On the flip side, a weighted GPA gives additional points for more challenging courses. For example, an A in an AP or honors class may be worth a 5.0 instead of a 4.0. This gives colleges an idea of your academic performance in the context of the rigor of the courses you took.

Many colleges recalculate GPAs in their own unique way, some considering the weighting and some not. But don't worry - they are fully aware of the rigor of your schedule. They don't just analyze your GPA in a vacuum; they consider the types and level of courses you've taken. Rigorous courses, like APs and honors classes, definitely help show colleges that you can handle tough academic workloads.

So, both unweighted and weighted GPAs are important. Maintain a strong unweighted GPA, but don't shy away from challenging yourself with more rigorous courses. That's the best way to impress admissions officers. Remember, it's about balance; an excellent GPA with no challenging courses won't be as impressive as a slightly lower GPA with a rigorous course load.