GPA reporting confusion

I am confused on how to self-report the GPA on the application:
Our school internally gives both UW and Weighted GPA. The UW GPA is out of 4.2 (an A+ would get 4.2; an A 4.0 etc) - so the max possible UW GPA is 4.2. With weighted the max is 1 point additional (all honors/AP students can get a theoretical max of 5.2 - but because of required unweighted courses the max is actually 5.0). Now we were advised by the GC to report W - because that is what goes out with official transcript and that is what used for ranking.
Now my confusion is how do I report my 4.88 W GPA: is it 4.88 out of 4.2; or 4.88 out of 5 (max possible with mandatory unweighted courses) or 4.88 out of 5.2 the theoretical max possible. Our GC don’t have any advice yet about ‘out of xx’ aspect. How is everyone reporting their Weighted GPA (is it out of base 4 or out of max possible). TIA.

I would not worry about it. There has been confusion on this for years, and there has never been a clear answer,either from high schools or colleges or the CB. So rest assured, people will fill this in on the app in a myriad of ways.

I was taught that the base scale never changes, so I am of the camp that it is 4.88/4.0. Not saying I’m “right.”

I will also point out that on the Common App, 4.2 or 5.2 is not an option. All the options are whole numbers. Again, right or wrong, I was always taught that the base is based on the value of an A, which I assume at your school is 4.0.

Again, don;t stress over it; AOs will look at the transcript for your GPA, not the app. Just make sure that the 4.88 matches your transcript.

@skieurope - thanks that is reassuring