What is a unweighted GPA ????

Question

What is a unweighted GPA ????

Answer 1

Some high schools (not all) will 'weight' advanced classes to make your GPA appear higher than it really is to make up for the challenge of taking higher-level classes.  Therefore, if you school weighted AP classes, and you got a B (3.0 unweighted) in AP bio, although it remains a B on your transcript and a 3.0 officially, they'll add a point for AP and count it as a 4.0 in your 'weighted' GPA.  So unweighted GPA is not counting honors or AP classes extra.  Unweighted is also known as your GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Answer 2

Unweighted GPA

The unweighted GPA is the average of all class grades based on a 4.0 scale. If the student earned an “A” in an advanced English class, the unweighted grade would still be a 4.0– the corresponding number on standard grade conversion charts–instead of, for example, a 4.5. Regardless of class level, each class is graded on the same point system. Things can get a bit confusing when schools have an unweighted scale but still offer and “A+” that is worth 4.3 points. While still unweighted, this GPA is higher than a 4.0.

Generally, however, an unweighted GPA peaks at 4.0.  Students who have taken accelerated classes may have lower GPAs on this scale, but those who have a regular schedule may fare better in class rank once everyone is on the same playing field. Because the weight a school attaches to each accelerated class varies, an unweighted GPA allows schools and award providers to see a student’s performance on the same scale, regardless of the school they attended. Unfortunately, additional efforts exerted in advanced classes may not be as visible.

At Scholarships.com, students are asked to state their GPAs on a 4.0 scale. Students who received anything above a 4.0 should record their GPA as 4.0. If a scholarship provider asks the student for GPA information, they may then offer in-depth information.