What’s the Difference Between a Weighted and Unweighted GPA?
All students know that their grade point averages (GPAs) are a major part of the criteria colleges and universities use when extending invitations to prospective applicants. But you also may realize that all GPAs are not equal.
In the field of education, there are both weighted and unweighted GPAs — and the difference between them can be one of the deciding factors when determining who makes the cut at the school you choose to attend. Below, we will examine the differences between the two sets of GPAs and how your own GPA might affect your future.
What Is an Unweighted GPA?
This is the simplest and most traditional system used to calculate grade point averages. It represents the following:
- A equals 4 points
- B equals 3 points
- C equals 2 points
- D equals 1 point
- F equals 0 points
Using the above system, earning an “A” in a class like Consumer Math or Auto Shop would carry the same weight as an “A” earned in AP Calculus or Honors English. Many students and educators agree that this is not the fairest system of calculation, given the effort that must be exerted to earn A’s in the more challenging Honors and AP courses.
However, college admissions officers acknowledge that not all qualified applicants come from secondary schools where Honors and AP classes were offered. That is one reason why a student’s GPA is not considered the sum total of their academic worthiness to matriculate at an esteemed college or university.
What Is a Weighted GPA?
High schools that use weighted GPA systems factor in the academic rigors of the AP and honors classes that you take. Instead of using a traditional 4-point system when determining students’ GPAs, they may use a system similar to this one:
- A in AP courses ranges from 4.7 to 5 points
- A in Honors courses ranges from 4.2 to 4.5 points
- A in regular courses equals 4 points
- B in AP courses ranges from 3.7 to 4.3 points
- B in Honors courses ranges from 3.2 to 3.8 points
- B in regular courses equals 3 points
- C in AP courses ranges from 2.7 to 3.3 points
- C in Honors courses ranges from 2.2 to 2.8 points
- C in regular courses equals 2 points
- D in AP courses ranges from 2 to 2.3 points
- D in Honors courses ranges from 1.5 to 1.8
- D in regular courses equals 1 point
- F in AP courses equals 1 point
- F in Honors courses equals .05 points
- F in regular courses equal 0 points
This is just an example of a typical grading scale at a hypothetical high school. Some schools may even go as high as awarding 6 points for the most advanced courses they offer. If you are seeking admittance to a top-tier or Ivy League university like Princeton, your best bet is to take the hardest courses offered in your field of study and work hard to excel and get high grades.
The Real Weight of Your GPA
Every school is different in its requirements for admission, of course. Your GPA is but one of many factors that will be weighed by admissions officers. Some schools place much emphasis on GPA status, while others focus more on life experiences and contributions to your community.
But don’t be quick to brush off the importance of your GPA because it affects your class ranking, weighted system or not. Some universities and colleges admit only students who graduated in the top percent of their classes. Still others offer lucrative scholarship opportunities to students in the top 10 percent of their graduating classes.
A college admissions counseling firm can help you keep on track and guide your academic and civic progress to ensure that you reach the pinnacle of success in your academic career.
