1. What is Weighted GPA?

Weighted GPA takes into account the difficulty of courses by assigning higher value to more challenging classes (like Honors or AP courses). It provides a more comprehensive view of a student's academic performance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the weighted GPA formula:

Where:

• \( Grade\ Points \) — Typically on a 0-4 scale (A=4, B=3, etc.)
• \( Credit\ Hours \) — The credit value or weight of the course
• \( Weight \) — Additional weight for advanced courses (e.g., 1.1 for Honors, 1.2 for AP)

Explanation: The formula calculates a weighted average where harder courses contribute more to the overall GPA.

3. Importance of Weighted GPA

Details: Weighted GPA is important for college admissions as it shows a student's willingness to take challenging courses. Many high schools use it for class ranking and academic honors.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter grade points (0-4 scale), credit hours (course weight), and additional weight for advanced courses. Click "Add Another Course" to calculate GPA for multiple courses.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?
A: Unweighted GPA uses a standard 4.0 scale without considering course difficulty, while weighted GPA accounts for advanced courses.

Q2: How much does weighted GPA help in college admissions?
A: Colleges typically consider both, but weighted GPA shows academic rigor which can be important for competitive schools.

Q3: What weights should I use for different course types?
A: Common weights: Regular=1.0, Honors=1.1, AP/IB=1.2, but check your school's specific policy.

Q4: Can weighted GPA be above 4.0?
A: Yes, with weighted GPA it's possible to exceed 4.0 by taking advanced courses.

Q5: Do all schools use weighted GPA?
A: No, policies vary by school and district. Some use only unweighted, others use both.