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4.0 with hard classes.
Just between the two options
Actually, the optimal GPA is probably more like a 3.9 something with hard courses because the admissions officers can see that you challenged yourself to your full extent.
“Most demanding available” courseload is listed as the foremost criterion at every college I have visited. An unweighted 3.8 in a challenging curriculum will qualify you for almost any college,but that doesn’t guarantee you admission, either.
It also depends on class rank. Top 10% goes a long way. A 3.8 and top 10% will be much more appealing than a 3.8 and top 25%.
Course rigor and doing well in them is most important. Skating through easy classes with A’s is not impressive. They want to see that you are capable of handling the work in college.
A 3.8 with the hardest classes available might not get you into HYPSM, but a 4.0 without the hardest classes available certainly will not get you into HYPSM.
OP: so which student are you?
That’s the real question… hahaha
4.0 with easy classes will be fine for your directional college and for some state flagships; it’ll also help for Texas if your class rank is unweighted and you’re within the top 10% or top 7%.
At most Top 50 colleges, 4.0 with easy classes won’t let you past the first cut whereas 3.8 with hard classes will get you through that first round and let you have a shot at admissions.
As you know GPA is parametric and course rigor is non-parametric. There is no easy conversion chart for adjustment. If there is one, it is going to be highly variable depending on the HS and college.