Question(s) About CLASS RANK

Applying to College
1

<p>My school calculates two GPA's and class ranks...weighted (5.0 scale) and unweighted (4.0 scale). We therefore have an "academic" class rank that includes only academic classes (the 5.0 scale) and an "all-subject" class rank which includes all classes, like PE and automotives and such, and is calculated from the 4.0 scale. Which rank will schools look at, the weighted or unweighted? Will they consider both equally even though the all-subject includes classes that some of us might not do so well in, like gym (I've failed it twice and it's required every semester by the state of IL)? </p>

<p>A while ago, I heard that some schools (I think U of Wisconsin-Madison was one of them) have been ignoring class rank for students from certain schools (mine was included, I believe) as part of an experimental program. Has anyone else heard of this? I'd love more information. </p>

<p>Also, can someone please tell me why class rank has become so important?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>a LOT of HS don't rank....only 50% of Calif publics rank students.</p>

<p>But, to answer your question, colleges only care about grades in academic classes, so they would mostly likely look at your academic class rank.</p>

3

<p>i've always heard of schools using unweighted grades in their calculations</p>

4

<p>mdk:</p>

<p>every school is different. For example, one school in the SE posts on their website that the 'average' matriculant has a 4.0 at their school.....obviously, a weighted number. Other schools give bonus points, but cap them, i.e., the UC's. Other schools limit the number of HS credit hours for band and theater/arts for admission purposes....and the list goes on....</p>

5

<p>My school's formal ranking stance is that they rank based on unweighted but they add 2 pts for Honors and 3 pts for AP classes (on your x/100 grade) when figuring ranks.</p>

6

<p>All of the Ivies used the weighted rank. I know that doesn't fully answer your question, but might be helpful to others.</p>

7

<p>Ranking doesn't necessarily mean anything. Sure, colleges may be interested in how well you did compared to the rest of your school, but each high school weighs and therefore ranks according to a different system. I think colleges might use the official transcripts you send and re-calc your GPA according to the college's unique weight system.</p>

8

<p>Ranking tells them if the school has grade inflation.</p>