What is a G.P.A.?

A grade point average (GPA) is a cumulative average of your grades for your coursework and is usually determined on a 4.0 scale. Your high school GPA begins the moment you take high school level courses – whether that is in 8th grade taking Math I, etc. or your freshmen year taking all high school level courses. All high school courses make up your high school GPA which in turn will be a deciding factor for your future. Your grades matter for your future as a college student and scholarship applicant.

What’s the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?

An unweighted GPA assigns courses a 4.0 for A’s, 3.0 for B’s, 2.0 for C’s, and 1.0 for D’s. A weighted GPA gives extra points for challenging courses such as Advanced Placement (AP) or Honors. The harder coursework is weighted at 5.0 but on a 4.0 scale. So, an honor student could possibly have a 4.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale because they took more rigorous courses.

How important is my GPA?

Your high school GPA along with test (SAT/ACT) are predictors of how well you will do as a college freshman. Students’ GPAs are compared for scholarship and admissions applications. Other factors looked at by scholarship and admissions applications include your community impact-service to your community, athletics and extracurricular activities in school, and leadership positions.