So what would colleges prefer in an application? Mine is currently 3.91/4.29 (only weight APs), so would it have been better to put one of the other? Does it matter?
Colleges generally prefer UW GPA but they will use whatever they get from the HS.
@“Erin’s Dad” So I wouldn’t be hurt if I put my weighted? My high school transcript also only has weighted GPA. Because of the way my school weights GPA, my weighted seems lower than others. For example, my UC weighted would be 4.64 and 4.50 capped compared to 4.29. UW is pretty much the same across, the board, though, so a 3.91 is a 3.91 almost anywhere. Does this hurt?
If the college requests a transcript prior to decision,then it really does not matter which you put on the application (as long as it matches the transcript), because AOs will look at the transcript. If the transcript lists both, it’s your choice. If using the Common App, use the weighted per the instructions:
https://appsupport.commonapp.org/applicantsupport/s/article/How-do-I-report-my-class-rank-and-GPA
For colleges, like UCs, that don’t get a transcript prior to decisions, follow their instructions.
Don’t worry about how your HS weights - there is no standard amongst high schools. But AOs know how to level the playing field.
@skieurope Alright, also, the transcript, or at least the one I have and used to fill out my application, only has the weighted GPA, which I think is weaker than my UW due to our weighting system compared to others. So if AOs see a kid from California with a 4.6 and me with a 4.29, what would they do? Do they really have the time to go through all the transcripts?
You should assume that AOs are experienced enough to eyeball a transcript and quickly guesstimate an UWGPA. Again, don’t worry about what other high schools do. GPA alone is not what gets acceptance into top schools, so a 3.95 vs.a 3.91 is not what’s going to keep you out.
@skieurope Yeah, I know, I just want to put my best foot forward and ensure schools see the best I have because I know I need whatever I can get, no matter how small. I just want to make sure AOs have the GPA that will make me the most competitive applicant I can be.
Is there a school that is asking you to put a GPA on an application with no instructions? I don’t remember ever putting a GPA on an application (though I may be forgetting) - every school wants/gets a transcript, which typically has the unweighted, and then applies their own weighting scheme to be consistent. What you put on a form is probably not really that meaningful/important.
If there’s no instruction, then a higher number is obviously better.
@RichInPitt It was for commonapp, but you’re right. Also, my transcript only has my weighted, at least the transcript that I can see, which I assume is the one colleges see.