<p>Cal publishes an unweighted average of 3.81, and a weighted average of 4.24, a difference of .43 points. According to the UC GPA calculation, only 8 semesters are weighted. So to get the .43 GPA increase, the average student would be taking 18.6 academic semesters over a two year period. Am I wrong in assuming that this is rather low? Is the published Cal GPA uncapped? I'm used to seeing people generally taking 20-24 academic semesters over the 10-11th grade span.</p>
<p>18.6 is actually a heavy course load. I go to Davis, and I know we are on quarters and Cal is on semesters, but I know the numbers are comparable (like if I'm taking 15 units/quarter it's the same load as 15 units/semester as far as toughness goes). We're expected to average 15 units per quarter, the minimum is 12... 17 is pushing limits.. 20-24 is insane. But as far as the calculation of weighted GPA vs. unweighted - I don't know... a 3.81 average gpa sounds too high for an average.</p>
<p>I'm sorry, I was referring to Freshmen Admit Stats. I'm interested in knowing as a prospective applicant. Calculating my GPA under this standard gives me a 4.05, and I know few people at my school (Monta Vista, very competitive) who would have anything higher than 4.3 under that standard.</p>