<p>Of course, an applicant's grades are extremely important; but, my question is more: is that stupid number out of 4.00 really significant? For instance, having perused through many profiles on this forum, I have discovered that there are many people with perfect/near perfect GPAs. But, I'm wondering if this could be an instance of a different sort of GPA scaling system being used. In my school (really competitive public in NJ), my current class (08') has a valedictorian with a less than 4.00 UW GPA. Our scale is as follows:</p>
<p>Grade GPA
A (>=95%) 4.00
A- (>=90%) 3.67
B+ (>=87%) 3.30
B (>=84%) 3.00
.
.
.
etc</p>
<p>Honors Receives .25 boost, AP Receives .50 boost </p>
<p>From my understanding, this is one of the tougher GPA systems employed by high schools across the US. My current UW GPA is a 3.87 and 4.17 W. So, how much do these numbers really matter? My school doesn't rank either. Will colleges take the time to interpret my GPA for what it is (significantly better than at least 95% of my class)? Or will they use it as is and treat me as a stupider student? Also, how do colleges compare the level of difficulty of courses between high schools? Is that where AP/SAT scores come in? Can a low GPA seem better when bolstered with great test scores? If anyone can shed some light on the matter, it would be greatly appreciated. Thx.</p>
<p>They just don't look at your GPA; they consider your class difficulty and class rank, so it's relative. I doubt they willl compare GPA with test scores, however that might be done. Your GPA scale is really harsh, but in the counselor school profile, I'm sure colleges will recognize the situation. And GPA does matter; top colleges expect that you have 3.9 above with tough courseload (I guess you could say it's kinda a prerequisite for even being considered at the tougher colleges)</p>
<p>Some schools don't look at class rank. Look at the CDS of the school(s) you are interested in. I think top colleges know top high schools. I think in the parents forum there was a long list of high schools with average old SATs over 1200. If your school is on that list, I think colleges know them and can compare your GPA versus another unknown high school GPAs easily. I think they do put in a lot of effort to know the course, the teacher, etc.. It's not that straightforward as just 4.0 UW.</p>
<p>Your performance in the context of your school is what matters. If you have a 3.2 and are val at a super competitive school, that's not the same as a 3.2 down the street where there are 42 kids with a 4.0 tied for val.</p>
<p>At the most competitive schools, almost half the class go to top colleges with 30% plus to ivies alone. They don't all have 4.0s. I think Exeter has has 2 people with perfect grades in 50 years but send over 35% to ivies.</p>
<p>Rank is what matters and almost no competitive schools rank so the colleges have formulas that estimate your rank.</p>
<p>hi i'm from argentina and aiming to enter some top college...
can anyone tell me how to calculate the GPA? which subject count on it and if the IB has any repercusion on it..?<br>
thx</p>
<p>pd: do you think being an argentinian may give me a plus rather than being one more asian?or new yorker?</p>
<p>I honestly think the essay trumps all. I know a guy who was in no extracurriculars except band, had a 3.6 GPA and a 1700 SAT. His girlfriend with published writing and numerous other accolades under her belt wrote his essay and he got into BC.</p>
<p>My question was more of how colleges interpret GPA in light of the fact that the system and difficulty of classes varies by HS and NOT how GPA compares to other stats as an indicator of competency. Please stay on track. Thx.</p>
<p>Your GPA is great. You're clearly a great student. If your class rank is in the top 5%, which I'll bet it is, I would chill if I were you. Worry about SATs, SAT II's, ECs, and essays now.</p>
<p>Many schools recalculate GPA because they know about the different systems at different schools. Plus you're doing well in your class so I wouldn't worry at all.</p>
<p>"No, collegekid is right. An applicant without some significant mitigating factor will probably not be given much weight if their SATs are too low."</p>
<p>But a 1700 isn't even that low, it's above average.</p>
<p>in a public school as mine that doesnt weigh grades i believe neither mean much, i have seen kids who are very smart but dont try in highschool and get 30+ act's but they dont get into schools because there are kids who take easy courses and are above in class rank, and the a in an ap class is the same as an a in a non college prep class</p>
<p>IMO
1. GPA (basically 1st preference for top 1-2% then top 5% then top 10% then top 20% etc. etc.)..Included in this is Difficulty of schedule.
2. Test scorers (2300/34 and up, then 2200/32 and up, then 2100, 30 and up kind of thing.
3. Awards (starting off with prestigious awards like Intel and Siemens and USAO anything..ending with regional/state awards)
4. Essay
5. Ecs
6. Community Service</p>