GPA: Grade Point Average

Your GPA, or Grade Point Average, is basically a report card on how well you're doing in all of your classes combined. It's a single number (usually between 0 and 4.0, or 5.0 when using a weighted GPA) that shows your overall academic performance. 

• College Admissions: This is probably the biggest reason. Colleges look at your GPA to see if you're ready for their academic challenges. A higher GPA often means you've worked hard and understood the material, making you a stronger candidate for admission and scholarships.

• Scholarships: Many scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, and your GPA is a key factor in qualifying for them.

• Future Opportunities: Even after college, some employers might look at your college GPA, or if you go straight to a job after high school, your high school GPA can show your work ethic.

• It Shows Your Effort: Your GPA isn't just about being "smart"; it's a direct reflection of your consistency, dedication, and effort throughout your high school career. It tells a story about how seriously you take your studies.

Think of it as your academic scorecard. The better your score, the more doors open for your future!

When people talk about GPA, they usually mean your overall average of grades. But there are a few ways that average can be figured out, which leads to different types of GPA:

1. Weighted GPA (RISD posts your cumulative, weighted 5.0 GPA on your transcript):

   • What it is: This type of GPA gives you extra "points" for taking harder classes. So, an "A" in an AP or Honors class might count as a 5.0 instead of a 4.0, while an "A" in a regular class is still a 4.0.

   • Scale: It goes up to 5.0.

   • Think of it like: Getting bonus points for challenging yourself. It rewards students who take tougher courses, even if their letter grades aren't always perfect. Colleges like to see this because it shows you're willing to push yourself.

2. Unweighted GPA:

   • What it is: This is the most basic GPA. Every class, no matter how hard or easy, counts the exact same way. An "A" in a regular English class is worth the same as an "A" in a super-tough Advanced Placement (AP) calculus class.

   • Scale: It's usually on a scale of 0 to 4.0, where 4.0 is a perfect "A."

   • Think of it like: Just adding up all your grades and dividing by the number of classes. Simple and straightforward.

3. Cumulative GPA:

   • What it is: This is your total GPA that includes all your grades from all the classes you've taken so far in high school (or college, if you're looking at that). It's your running average from freshman year through your current grades. In RISD, high school courses taken before you complete 8th grade do not count in your GPA.

   • Think of it like: Your entire academic history boiled down into one number. When colleges ask for your GPA, they usually want your cumulative GPA.

While there might be other specific terms like "semester GPA" (your average for just one semester), the weighted, unweighted, and cumulative GPAs are the main types you'll hear about, especially when applying to college. 

Below are links to provide you information on how each type of GPA is calculated and a GPA Calculator spreadsheet you can make a copy of and plug in your information to calculate your GPA yourself.