Confused: Weighted GPA

Hey folks, so I've been hearing about this weighted GPA thing a lot. Can someone explain it to me? And how does it really differ from the usual GPA?

Certainly! The traditional GPA, often called "unweighted GPA," is usually calculated on a scale of 0 to 4.0, where an A equals 4.0, B equals 3.0, C equals 2.0, and so on. This scale doesn't differentiate the level of the courses you took; grades from honors, regular, and Advanced Placement (AP) classes all carry the same weight.

On the other hand, a weighted GPA gives added weight to the grades achieved in more challenging courses such as AP, IB or honors classes. This means that a student can potentially achieve a GPA higher than 4.0 if they perform well in those rigorous classes. The scale commonly used for weighted GPA extends up to 5.0, with A's in those rigorous classes accounting for a full 5.0. The result is that a student's GPA better reflects the difficulty in their schedule.

Keep in mind that the specifics on how grades are weighted can vary between high schools. Some may even go above 5.0 for AP or IB courses. You can usually find more details in your school's course catalog or by checking with a school counselor.

Regardless of whether your school reports a weighted or unweighted GPA, it's important to note that a challenging course load is often an important aspect that colleges look into to gauge a student's academic readiness. However, don't forget to strike a balance between course rigor and your ability to maintain good grades.