Determining GPA: Weighted vs. Unweighted

Hey guys, been kinda stressed trying to figure out the whole GPA thing. Can somebody explain what 'GPA weighted' means? And how does it differ from my unweighted GPA? Thanks!

Sure, I'd be happy to help explain this!

When we talk about GPA or grade point average, we usually refer to two types: unweighted and weighted. The unweighted GPA is the most straightforward. It's calculated by assigning a certain number of points to each grade you earned: typically, 4.0 for an A, 3.0 for a B, 2.0 for a C, and so on. Regardless of the difficulty level of your course, a letter grade corresponds to the same number of points. So, whether you received an A in an AP Calculus class or in a basic Math course, it will be calculated as 4.0 in your unweighted GPA. Your unweighted GPA will be on a scale of 0 to 4.0.

Weighted GPA, on the other hand, takes into account the rigor of the courses you took. An "A" in an honors, AP, or IB class might translate to 5.0 instead of the standard 4.0. Weighted GPAs typically operate on a scale that goes higher than 4.0, often up to 5.0 or 6.0, to accommodate the extra points from advanced courses.

The purpose of a weighted GPA is to reflect the extra effort you had to put into more challenging classes. If you have a weighted GPA above a 4.0, it indicates that you've been taking a lot of high-level classes.

Please note, different high schools calculate weighted GPA differently, so make sure to check with your guidance counselor if you have any doubts about how it's calculated at your school. Every college calculates GPA a little differently as well, and they don't disclose their methods, so don't worry too much about the specifics of how GPA is weighted. College admissions officers pay more attention to the grades in your individual classes and the rigor of your course-load than to your GPA.