A weighted grade point average (GPA) offers a modified assessment of academic performance. Unlike an unweighted GPA, which typically assigns equal value to all courses (e.g., A=4.0, B=3.0), a weighted GPA gives additional weight to more challenging courses, such as Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes. For instance, an A in an AP course might be worth 5.0 points instead of 4.0, reflecting the increased rigor of the coursework. This adjustment acknowledges that students who undertake more demanding academic programs deserve recognition for their efforts.
The advantage of employing a weighted GPA lies in its ability to more accurately represent a student’s academic achievement, particularly when comparing individuals who have pursued different levels of coursework difficulty. It encourages students to enroll in challenging classes, fostering intellectual growth and preparing them for higher education. Historically, colleges and universities have used weighted GPAs to identify promising candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence by tackling advanced coursework.