When colleges look at a 4.0, do they look at weighted or unweighted GPA? Does my weighted GPA matter when I apply for college?

When colleges evaluate applicants, they consider both weighted and unweighted GPAs, but the importance of each can vary depending on the institution and its admissions process.

Unweighted GPA

• Unweighted GPAs are calculated on a 0-4.0 scale and do not account for the difficulty of the courses. An A in any class, whether it is an AP, honors, or standard class, is valued the same, typically as a 4.0245.
• Colleges often look at the unweighted GPA as a baseline to compare students from different schools and to ensure a level playing field. It helps admissions officers to assess the student's grades in a standardized manner34.

Weighted GPA

• Weighted GPAs take into account the difficulty of the courses, often using a scale that goes up to 5.0 or higher. For example, an A in an AP class might be valued as a 5.0, while an A in a standard class remains a 4.0245.
• Weighted GPAs provide additional context about the rigor of the student's coursework. Colleges use this information to assess not only the student's grades but also the challenge of the courses they have taken. This can be particularly important for students who have taken multiple advanced courses like AP or IB classes245.

College Admissions Considerations

• Colleges do not rely solely on either the weighted or unweighted GPA. Instead, they consider both, along with the student's transcript, to get a comprehensive view of the student's academic performance and course rigor245.
• The weighted GPA can highlight a student's willingness to take on challenging courses and their performance in those courses, which can be advantageous in the admissions process. However, the unweighted GPA provides a more standardized comparison across different schools34.

In summary, while a 4.0 unweighted GPA is impressive, your weighted GPA also matters as it reflects the rigor of your coursework. Colleges will consider both when evaluating your application to get a full picture of your academic achievements and the challenges you have undertaken.