Question about GPA scale

Yo guys, been seeing a 5-point GPA scale mentioned in some places, that's different than my school's 4.0 one. Can anyone explain what this is and how it works? Would universities convert my GPA if I'm on the standard scale or not?

Sure, I'd be happy to help! Many high schools use a 4.0 GPA scale, but some, particularly those with advanced classes that carry more weight, use a 5.0 scale.

The 4.0 scale assigns points based on how well you do in your classes, with A's generally equal to 4.0 points, B's equal to 3.0 points, and so on. The 5.0 scale follows something similar but adds an extra point for taking more challenging classes like Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. It essentially rewards students for taking on more academic rigor.

So, if a student earned an A in a standard high school class, they'd earn 4.0 points. But if that same student earned an A in an AP or IB class, they'd earn 5.0 points instead.

But don't worry too much about it, because colleges understand that different high schools use different GPA scales. They have processes in place to standardize GPAs into a format they can directly compare. Specifically, they typically convert your GPA into an unweighted scale that aligns with their own system and evaluate your transcript within the context of your high school.

So, if your high school uses a 4.0 scale, colleges will not hold it against you. They care more about your performance in the courses available to you and whether you've challenged yourself with a rigorous curriculum than about the numerical value of your GPA alone.