What is the Difference Between Weighted and Unweighted GPA?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between weighted and unweighted GPA lies in how they consider the difficulty of the courses taken by a student.
- Unweighted GPA: This type of GPA calculates the average grade on a 4.0 scale, regardless of the difficulty of the courses. An A in a standard English class, for example, counts the same as an A in an AP Language class. Unweighted GPA does not take into account the level of difficulty of the courses.
- Weighted GPA: This type of GPA takes the difficulty of the courses into account. It assigns higher point values to grades in more challenging courses, such as honors or AP classes. As a result, a student's weighted GPA can be higher than their unweighted GPA, possibly going above a 4.0 scale depending on the difficulty of the courses taken.
Both weighted and unweighted GPAs are important for different reasons. While neither one is considered "better" than the other, colleges may recalculate GPAs for their admissions process, regardless of which GPA the student or school provides. It's essential for students to understand both types of GPAs and how they may be used during the college admissions process.
Comparative Table: Weighted vs Unweighted GPA
The difference between weighted and unweighted GPA lies in the fact that weighted GPA takes into account the difficulty of the courses taken, while unweighted GPA does not. Here is a comparison table of the two:
| Aspect | Weighted GPA | Unweighted GPA |
|---|---|---|
| Scale | 5.0 or higher | 4.0 |
| Course Types | Includes AP or honors courses, which are scored using the 5.0 scale | Only includes regular courses, with no additional points for AP or honors courses |
| Conversion Chart | Weighted GPA: A+ (5.0), A (4.5), A- (4.2), B+ (3.8), B (3.5), B- (3.2), C+ (2.8), C (2.5), C- (2.2), D+ (1.8), D (1.5), F (0.0) Unweighted GPA: A+ (4.0), A (4.0), A- (3.7), B+ (3.3), B (3.0), B- (2.7), C+ (2.3), C (2.0), C- (1.7), D+ (1.3), D (1.0), F (0.0) |
Unweighted GPA: A+ (4.0), A (4.0), A- (3.7), B+ (3.3), B (3.0), B- (2.7), C+ (2.3), C (2.0), C- (1.7), D+ (1.3), D (1.0), F (0.0) |
| Calculation | Weighted GPA considers the difficulty of the courses taken | Unweighted GPA does not consider the difficulty of the courses taken |
In summary, weighted GPA accounts for the difficulty of the courses taken, while unweighted GPA does not. Both GPAs are important, as they provide a comprehensive view of a student's academic performance.
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