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When it comes to getting into college, your academic performance is one of the biggest factors admissions counselors look at.
They’re not just glancing at your GPA—they’re digging into the types of classes you took, how challenging they were, your class rank, and more.
Now, when it comes to your GPA, there are actually two ways it can be measured: weighted and unweighted.
Both give colleges a snapshot of your high school achievements, but here’s the bottom line—most colleges look at both.
They pay close attention to your weighted GPA to see how well you handled challenging courses, but they also consider your unweighted GPA to get a sense of your overall consistency.
So, it’s not a matter of one being more important than the other—they both play a role in giving colleges a full picture of your academic journey.
Key Takeaways
Difference Between Unweighted and Weighted GPA
Before diving into the details, it’s worth noting that not all high schools calculate GPA the same way.
There are a few different methods out there, but for this breakdown, we’re sticking to the standard 4.0 GPA scale since it’s the most widely used.
Unweighted GPA: Keeping It Simple
An unweighted GPA doesn’t factor in how challenging your courses are—it treats every class the same.
Whether you’re acing AP Calculus or coasting through Physical Education, the grade points you earn remain consistent.
Here’s how it works:
If your grade has a plus or minus, that changes the value slightly. For example:
This system applies to every course in your schedule—no matter if it’s a demanding AP class or a general elective, they all hold the same weight.
That means a student who gets all A’s in regular classes will have the same GPA as a student who gets all A’s in honors or AP courses. It’s straightforward but doesn’t give much credit for taking on tougher challenges.
Weighted GPA: Acknowledging the Extra Effort
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Weighted GPA, on the other hand, gives credit where credit’s due. It accounts for the difficulty of your classes, meaning students taking more advanced courses have the chance to earn higher GPAs.
Typically, weighted GPAs are used to reflect grades from more rigorous classes like Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or Honors courses.
Here’s the breakdown for weighted classes (though keep in mind it might vary slightly from school to school):
Just like with unweighted GPAs, pluses and minuses still make a difference of about 0.3 points. For example, a B+ in an AP class would give you 4.3 points instead of 4.
Weighted GPAs give a clearer picture of how rigorous a student’s coursework is. For example, if you earn a B in AP English Literature and Composition, you’d score 4 points, which is equivalent to an A in a standard English class.
This system encourages students to challenge themselves with tougher courses without risking a big hit on their GPA if they don’t get a perfect grade.
Which GPA Do Colleges Care About More?
@collegexpert Weighted or Unweighted GPA… which matters more? #weightedgpa #unweightedgpa #gpa #applyingtocollege #collegetips #university #collegeapplications #collegeapps ♬ original sound – Alexis College Expert
Both weighted and unweighted GPAs matter to colleges, but they’re used differently. Most admissions offices consider both because they provide a more complete picture of your academic journey.
An unweighted GPA shows overall consistency, while a weighted GPA highlights how well you handled advanced coursework.
Colleges know that a 4.0 in basic classes isn’t the same as a 4.0 in AP or honors courses, so they take both into account when evaluating your application.
The good news? No need to stress too much about which one is “better.” Focus on challenging yourself while maintaining strong grades, and your GPA—weighted or unweighted—will reflect your hard work and determination.
How to Choose the Right Number of Advanced Courses
Should you load up on challenging courses to boost your weighted GPA? Or stick to easier classes to maintain a perfect unweighted GPA? The truth is, it’s all about finding the sweet spot that works for you.
Finding the Balance Between Challenge and Success
Taking advanced courses is important, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of your overall performance.
You don’t want to overload yourself with tough classes just to rack up extra points on your weighted GPA. If you end up with mediocre grades because you’re overwhelmed, that strategy can backfire.
Here’s the reality: A 4.0 weighted GPA filled with B’s from advanced classes might not look as strong as a 4.0 unweighted GPA with straight A’s in regular courses.
Colleges want to see both academic success and your ability to handle a rigorous schedule.
But if your grades are slipping because you’re trying to take on too much, it could raise concerns about how you’ll handle college-level work.
Tips for Deciding How Many Advanced Courses to Take
