When it comes to academic performance, your Grade Point Average (GPA) is one of the most important metrics colleges and universities consider. However, not all GPAs are calculated the same way. The two main types—weighted GPA and unweighted GPA—can significantly impact how your academic achievements are perceived. Understanding the differences between them is crucial for high school students planning their coursework and college applications.  

What Is an Unweighted GPA?  

An unweighted GPA is the most straightforward way to measure academic performance. It is calculated on a standard 4.0 scale, where:  

- A = 4.0 

- B = 3.0

- C = 2.0

- D = 1.0

- F = 0.0

No matter whether you take an honors, Advanced Placement (AP), or regular class, an A will always be worth 4.0. This means an unweighted GPA does not account for the difficulty of the courses you take—it only reflects your letter grades.  

Pros of Unweighted GPA:  

• Simple and easy to understand – Since all classes are graded equally, there’s no confusion about how different course levels affect your GPA.  
• Standardized comparison – Colleges can quickly compare students from different schools since the scale is universally recognized.  

Cons of Unweighted GPA:  

Doesn’t reward harder classes – Students who take challenging courses (like AP or IB) don’t get extra credit, which may discourage them from pursuing advanced classes.  

What Is a Weighted GPA?  

A weighted GPA, on the other hand, takes course difficulty into account. It typically uses a 5.0 or 6.0 scale, giving extra points for honors, AP, or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. For example:  

- Regular A = 4.0  

- Honors A = 4.5  

- AP/IB A = 5.0  

This system rewards students for taking more rigorous classes, encouraging them to push themselves academically.  

Pros of Weighted GPA:  

• Recognizes academic rigor – Students are incentivized to take harder classes, which can better prepare them for college.  
• Can boost overall GPA – A weighted GPA can be higher than a 4.0, making students more competitive for scholarships and top-tier colleges.  

Cons of Weighted GPA:  

• Varies by school – Different high schools may use different weighting scales, making it harder for colleges to compare students fairly.  
• Can create pressure – Some students may overload on advanced classes just to boost their GPA, leading to stress and burnout.  

Which GPA Do Colleges Prefer?  

Most colleges look at both weighted and unweighted GPAs, but they often recalculate GPAs based on their own criteria to ensure fairness. Here’s what matters most:  

- Course rigor – Colleges prefer students who challenge themselves with AP or honors courses, even if it slightly lowers their unweighted GPA.  

- Class rank (if applicable) – Some schools rank students based on weighted GPA, which can affect college admissions.  

- Consistency – Strong grades in challenging classes are more impressive than perfect grades in easy courses.  

Final Thoughts  

Choosing between weighted and unweighted GPA depends on your academic goals. If you’re aiming for competitive colleges, taking advanced classes (even if they slightly lower your unweighted GPA) is often worth it. However, if your school only reports an unweighted GPA, focus on maintaining high grades while still challenging yourself appropriately.