Do high schools still use UW GPAs?

sybbie719
Mon, 14 Aug 2006 11:02:46 +0000

This is why it is important that students read their school profile so that they have an understanding of their grading system.

In addition, I would suggest that you read the following:

NACAC’s 2006 Annual State of College Admission Report provides analysis of the combined results from the Admission Trends Survey and the Counseling Trends Survey. Based on surveys of school counselors and colleges and universities nationwide, NACAC provides this report to highlight issues of concern to college-bound students, their parents, and the educators who serve them.

http://www.nacacnet.org/MemberPortal/ProfessionalResources/Research/SOCA.htm

Even if you don’t read the whole report, you should definitely read Chapter 4 Factors in the admissions process

http://www.nacacnet.org/NR/rdonlyres/7CA6BEAA-90C5-4357-A498-FB0566564D71/0/06SOCA_Chapter4.pdf

As far as GPA’s weighted vs. unweighted

according to the NACAC:

Colleges and universities receive transcripts and GPA calculations from thousands of high schools, each of which may calculate GPAs differently.

Many high schools use a traditional 4-point scale to measure grade averages, others use weighted 4.5- or 5-point scales, while still others use grade scales that reach as high as 8 or 10.

To provide a standard comparison of grade point averages among applicants, some colleges recalculate grade point averages. Colleges
are virtually evenly split on the practice of recalculating GPAs—49 percent do and 51 percent do not.

High yield institutions are more likely than low yield institutions to recalculate GPA. (Basically more selective schools where if admitted the student is more likely to enroll will recalculate your GPA to a 4 point scale)

I would also suggest reading the The Recipe For Success, a look into how the 11 admission officers at Williams balance scores of priorities from the campus community.