Hey Y'all! I've heard UMICH has its own way of calculating GPAs and I'm applying there. I just wanted to know how they do it. I've got a mix of AP, IB, and Honors classes. So, how would they all fit into the calculation? Any clarification is appreciated!
Hi there! Yeah, UMich does use a unique system—they convert everyone's GPA to an unweighted GPA scale where 4.0 is an A, 3.0 is a B, and so on. This provides them with a way to create a level playing field, despite discrepancies in grading scales and rigor at different high schools across the country.
Here's how this works: if you got a B in an AP or IB class (which would typically count as 4.0 in a weighted GPA), it would convert to a 3.0 in the UMich scale because that's the value assigned to a B. So, in essence, they don't give extra points for more rigorous classes, although taking advanced classes will still enhance the strength of your academic profile.
However, this doesn't mean that they completely ignore the rigor of your curriculum. While the GPA might be based on an unweighted scale, the admissions committee definitely considers the rigor of the classes you've chosen to take. So, they will see and appreciate the effort you put into taking those AP, IB, or Honors classes!
Just ensure you're showing strong performance in those higher-level courses. Balancing rigor with performance is the key to presenting your best academic self to colleges like UMich. Good luck with your application!
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