What Is GPA?
GPA stands for Grade Point Average, a numeric representation of your academic performance over time. Schools convert letter grades into numbers, usually on a 4.0 scale, then average those values based on the credit weight of each course. Because GPA condenses many classes into one value, it is one of the most common academic metrics used by high schools, colleges, scholarship committees, and employers.
In most systems, an A is worth around 4.0 points, a B around 3.0, and so on. Courses with more credit hours contribute more heavily to your GPA than lower-credit courses. For example, earning an A in a 4-credit course affects your GPA more than earning an A in a 1-credit elective. This weighted-by-credit approach gives a clearer picture of your overall academic load and performance.
Some schools also report weighted GPA, which adds bonus points for advanced coursework such as Honors, AP, IB, or dual-enrollment classes. Weighted GPA can exceed 4.0 and is intended to reflect course difficulty alongside performance. Understanding both weighted and unweighted GPA helps students set realistic goals, evaluate progress, and prepare stronger applications.