Which GPA Do Colleges Look At? How to Improve Your GPA Conclusion Further Reading
Your GPA is one of the most important factors in the college admissions process. It’s a measure of your academic performance, and it can have a big impact on your chances of getting into your dream school.
But which GPA do colleges look at? Is it your overall GPA? Your weighted GPA? Your unweighted GPA?
The answer is: it depends.
Most colleges look at your unweighted GPA. This is the average of all your grades, without any extra weight given to honors or AP classes.
Some colleges look at your weighted GPA. This is the average of all your grades, with extra weight given to honors and AP classes.
A few colleges look at both your unweighted and weighted GPAs. They will then use a formula to calculate a new GPA that they use in their admissions decisions.
So, which GPA should you focus on? If you’re applying to most colleges, you should focus on your unweighted GPA. However, if you’re applying to a few colleges that look at your weighted GPA, you should also make sure that your weighted GPA is strong.
Here’s a table that summarizes which GPA different colleges look at:
| College | GPA Type |
|---|---|
| Harvard University | Unweighted |
| Stanford University | Weighted |
| Yale University | Both |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Unweighted |
| Princeton University | Weighted |
In addition to your GPA, colleges will also look at your class rank. Your class rank is your position in your graduating class, based on your GPA. Colleges use class rank to compare you to other students from your high school.
If you’re not happy with your GPA, there are a few things you can do to improve it.
- Take challenging courses. Honors and AP classes will boost your GPA more than regular classes.
- Get good grades in all of your classes. Don’t just focus on the classes that you’re good at.
- Study hard for tests. Tests are a big part of your GPA, so make sure you’re prepared.
- Get help from your teachers and classmates. If you’re struggling in a class, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- Take advantage of extra credit opportunities. Extra credit can help you boost your GPA.
Your GPA is an important factor in the college admissions process. By following the tips above, you can improve your GPA and increase your chances of getting into your dream school.
Here are a few additional tips for improving your GPA:
- Stay organized. Keep track of your assignments and due dates.
- Set realistic goals. Don’t try to do too much at once.
- Break down large tasks into smaller ones. This will make them seem less daunting.
- Reward yourself for your accomplishments. This will help you stay motivated.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re struggling, reach out to your teachers, classmates, or parents.
Remember, improving your GPA takes time and effort. But if you’re willing to put in the work, you can achieve your goals.
