What is a Weighted GPA in High School?

Speaker 1:

Hey, everyone, and welcome back for another deep dive.

Speaker 2:

Always fun to dive in.

Speaker 1:

Today, we're gonna be tackling something that I know a lot of parents out there listening, are gonna relate to, and that is the college admissions process.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. It can be a bit of a

Speaker 1:

It could be a doozy.

Speaker 2:

A minefield.

Speaker 1:

Yeah. Just thinking about it myself, I Yeah. It it gives me a little bit of anxiety.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. And, you know, the landscape is changing so much so quickly.

Speaker 1:

Oh, absolutely.

Speaker 2:

And it seems like every year, there's a new trend Yeah. New thing that parents need to be aware of, and it can feel overwhelming.

Speaker 1:

It really can.

Speaker 2:

So what we wanna do today is give you some insights and strategies to help you feel more confident and prepared for

Speaker 1:

Yes.

Speaker 2:

This journey.

Speaker 1:

And hopefully make it a little less stressful.

Speaker 2:

Yes.

Speaker 1:

Because I think one of the things that I struggled with as a parent, and I'm sure a lot of parents out there feel the same way Mhmm. Is where do you even begin?

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

You know, it's like this massive undertaking.

Speaker 2:

It is.

Speaker 1:

And it's hard to know where to even start.

Speaker 2:

And one of the big changes in recent years is that it's not just about grades and test scores anymore

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

Which is what a lot of us grew up with. You know?

Speaker 1:

Yes. Oh. I mean, that makes sense, I guess, in a way because it is.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

It's supposed to be about more than just your your academics.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. Yeah. Colleges are really looking for well rounded individuals now Okay. With diverse experiences. Mhmm.

Speaker 2:

You know?

Speaker 1:

But then that begs the question of how do you even begin to showcase all that in an application?

Speaker 2:

Right. It could feel like a lot of pressure to be It

Speaker 1:

does. Just everything. In every way.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. And I think that's where a lot of parents start to feel lost.

Speaker 1:

Perfect. You

Speaker 2:

know, they wanna support their children, but they're not sure how to navigate this increasingly complex

Speaker 1:

Mhmm.

Speaker 2:

Process.

Speaker 1:

Yeah. It's tricky.

Speaker 2:

And there's also this, I don't know, this fear, I think, among parents of, like, pushing their kids too hard Mhmm. You know, or not pushing them enough.

Speaker 1:

Yeah. It's finding that balance.

Speaker 2:

It's a delicate balance. It is. And, you know, it's so important to remember that every child is different.

Speaker 1:

Absolutely.

Speaker 2:

What works for one student might not work for another.

Speaker 1:

Right. So it's not a one size fits all approach.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely not. Yeah. The key is to find what motivates your child

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

And helps them thrive.

Speaker 1:

So it's about figuring out what makes them tick and then sort of working with that.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. Yeah. It's about individualizing the journey.

Speaker 1:

I love that individualizing the journey, not following some

Speaker 2:

Cookie cutter.

Speaker 1:

Cookie cutter formula. Yeah. Yeah.

Speaker 2:

And that's where understanding the admissions process becomes really important.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

And one example of that is the concept of weighted GPA.

Speaker 1:

Okay. Weighted GPA. What is that?

Speaker 2:

Yeah. A lot of parents don't fully grasp this.

Speaker 1:

Mhmm.

Speaker 2:

But it can have a significant impact on a student's application.

Speaker 1:

Okay. So break it down for me. What Yeah. What is weighted GPA?

Speaker 2:

So, basically, a weighted GPA takes into account the difficulty of the courses that a student takes.

Speaker 1:

Oh.

Speaker 2:

It recognizes that an a in an AP physics class Right.

Speaker 1:

For

Speaker 2:

instance, requires a much higher level of understanding and effort Right. Than an a in a standard level physics class.

Speaker 1:

So it's sort of like leveling the playing field

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

In a way by saying this kid is challenging themselves.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. Yeah. It shows colleges that a student is willing to go above and beyond Right. To really push themselves academically.

Speaker 1:

And I would imagine that that makes a big difference when colleges are comparing students

Speaker 2:

It does.

Speaker 1:

Who have similar

Speaker 2:

Huge difference.

Speaker 1:

Unweighted GPAs. Yeah. Okay.

Speaker 2:

A student with a higher weighted GPA

Speaker 1:

Mhmm.

Speaker 2:

Demonstrates that they've sought out more rigorous coursework.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

And that's a strong indicator that they're ready for

Speaker 1:

Ready for college.

Speaker 2:

College. Yeah.

Speaker 1:

Wow. I bet a lot of parents out there listening right now aren't even aware of this

Speaker 2:

You're probably aware.

Speaker 1:

Distinction. A

Speaker 2:

lot of people don't know.

Speaker 1:

Yeah. And they might be encouraging their kids to take all these AP classes without realizing what the impact could be

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

On their GPA.

Speaker 2:

And that's why it's so crucial for parents to really be informed Right. And involved in this process.

Speaker 1:

So it's about being a partner Mhmm.

Speaker 2:

In

Speaker 1:

your child's education, not just a bystander.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. Yeah. And it's not just about pushing them to take the hardest classes. It's about understanding their interests

Speaker 1:

Mhmm.

Speaker 2:

Their strengths Cool. And what truly motivates them to learn and grow.

Speaker 1:

Yeah. So it's that balance of Mhmm. Of challenging them but also respecting their individual path.

Speaker 2:

You got it.

Speaker 1:

Yeah. Okay.

Speaker 2:

And that's where open communication is so important.

Speaker 1:

See, now that's another thing I wanted to touch upon because Yeah. I think it can be tough

Speaker 2:

It is.

Speaker 1:

For parents to broach these topics Mhmm. With their kids. Yeah. You know?

Speaker 2:

Especially when emotions are running high.

Speaker 1:

Exactly. This whole process can be pretty stressful.

Speaker 2:

Oh, absolutely. For everyone.

Speaker 1:

And so how how do you even begin to navigate these conversations?

Speaker 2:

Yeah. Well, one of the best things you can do as a parent is to simply listen. Really share what your child is saying about their hopes and their fears.

Speaker 1:

Understand their perspective.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. And from there, you can start to have those open and honest conversations

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

About what this process entails and how you can work together.

Speaker 1:

Yeah. So it's about being a team, navigating this together.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. And you know what's interesting?

Speaker 1:

What's that?

Speaker 2:

There are actually resources available now Oh, really?

Speaker 1:

That can help families do just that. Interesting.

Speaker 2:

Okay. Tell me more. Well, imagine a platform that combines cutting edge technology Right.

Speaker 1:

With expert guidance

Speaker 2:

Mhmm. To create a truly personalized college admissions experience.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

It's like having a dedicated support system right at your fingertips.

Speaker 1:

Wow. That sounds incredible. What kind of platform are we talking about?

Speaker 2:

It's called College Journey.

Speaker 1:

College Journey. Interesting. And you mentioned technology. So Yeah. What role does that play?

Speaker 2:

Well, College Journey actually has an AI guide named Alice. Hold on

Speaker 1:

an AI guide. This is fascinating. Okay. We're gonna have to dive into that more after a quick break. We'll be right back to explore how AI is transforming the college admissions landscape.

Speaker 2:

So we were talking about college journey and their AI, Alice.

Speaker 1:

Yeah. An AI guide. It sounds a little sci fi.

Speaker 2:

It is pretty cutting edge.

Speaker 1:

But how does an AI actually help with college applications?

Speaker 2:

Well, Alice learns about the student, their strengths, their goals, and even their anxieties about the process.

Speaker 1:

Okay. So she gets to know them individually.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. Yeah. And then she uses that information to help create a personalized road map for them.

Speaker 1:

Interesting. So it's not just a generic list of colleges. It's really tailored.

Speaker 2:

Right. It's about finding the best fit for that specific student.

Speaker 1:

That makes a lot of sense.

Speaker 2:

And, you know, for parents, one of the biggest benefits is that Alice can break down those overwhelming tasks Oh, yeah. Into manageable steps.

Speaker 1:

So it helps with that feeling of being overwhelmed.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. It can make the whole process feel much less daunting.

Speaker 1:

That's gotta be a huge relief for both students and parents. We were talking before about how stressful this whole thing can be.

Speaker 2:

Oh, yeah.

Speaker 1:

Does Alice help with the emotional side of things too?

Speaker 2:

She does. She's actually built on principles of behavioral science.

Speaker 1:

Wow.

Speaker 2:

So she can detect patterns in a student's behavior

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

And offer support and encouragement in a way that's nonjudgmental.

Speaker 1:

So almost like a virtual coach.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. Exactly. Like, having someone in their corner cheering them on.

Speaker 1:

I love that.

Speaker 2:

And for parents, it can be a huge help

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

Because it frees up their time and energy to focus on other ways of supporting their child.

Speaker 1:

That makes a lot of sense.

Speaker 2:

And instead of getting bogged down in all the details Right.

Speaker 1:

I mean, we were talking about how parents have to wear so many hats.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

And it's just one more thing to add to their plate.

Speaker 2:

Right. And let's face it. College is expensive.

Speaker 1:

Oh, yeah. Big concern for families.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely. A huge one.

Speaker 1:

How does AI factor into that?

Speaker 2:

Well, College Journey has actually integrated financial planning tools right into the platform.

Speaker 1:

Oh, that's smart. Yeah.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. So Alice can help families figure out how to afford college.

Speaker 1:

So it's not just about getting in. It's about actually being able to pay for it.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. It's about making informed decisions.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

Alice can break down the cost of attendance at different schools. Mhmm. She can help families explore scholarship opportunities

Speaker 1:

Wow.

Speaker 2:

And even create a long term financial plan.

Speaker 1:

So it's like having a financial adviser.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. Built right into the platform.

Speaker 1:

That could be a game changer for a lot of families.

Speaker 2:

I think so.

Speaker 1:

You know, just taking some of the mystery out of it all.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely. And it, you know, it all ties back to reducing stress.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

When you have a solid plan in place for how you're gonna manage the financial side of things

Speaker 1:

Mhmm.

Speaker 2:

It takes a huge weight off everyone's shoulders.

Speaker 1:

Absolutely.

Speaker 2:

Really does.

Speaker 1:

So we've talked a lot about Alice. Mhmm. But do students and parents interact only with the AI, or are there human advisers as well?

Speaker 2:

It's actually a blend of both.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

So Alice is there 247 to provide personalized guidance. Mhmm. But families also have access to human experts when they need it.

Speaker 1:

Okay. So you're not totally on your own.

Speaker 2:

No. You've got that human connection when you need it.

Speaker 1:

That's good to know.

Speaker 2:

It's about creating a comprehensive support system

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

That meets the unique needs of each family.

Speaker 1:

So it's not a one size fits all Right.

Speaker 2:

Approach. And I think that's what really sets College Journey apart.

Speaker 1:

Yeah. I can see that.

Speaker 2:

They're not just focused on getting students into college. Mhmm. They're invested in the entire

Speaker 1:

journey. It's about setting them up for success in life. Exactly. And that brings us back to something we touched on earlier

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

Weighted GPAs.

Speaker 2:

Mhmm.

Speaker 1:

You know, while AI can be a huge help

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

Academic performance is still key.

Speaker 2:

It is.

Speaker 1:

And I think it's worth diving a little deeper into how colleges evaluate GPAs.

Speaker 2:

Definitely, a lot of parents don't realize how important this is.

Speaker 1:

Okay. So let's break it down.

Speaker 2:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

What's the difference between a weighted GPA and an unweighted one?

Speaker 2:

So an unweighted GPA is pretty straightforward.

Speaker 1:

K.

Speaker 2:

It just averages a student's grades across all their courses

Speaker 1:

Mhmm.

Speaker 2:

Usually on a 4 point o scale. But a weighted GPA gives extra weight to honors or AP courses

Speaker 1:

I see.

Speaker 2:

To account for the increased rigor and and academic demands.

Speaker 1:

So it's basically saying, hey. This student wasn't just taking easy classes.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

They were really challenging themselves.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. And that can make a big difference in the eyes of college admissions officers.

Speaker 1:

So it's a way for students to stand out

Speaker 2:

It is.

Speaker 1:

From the crowd. But wouldn't that mean a student could graduate with a GPA higher than a 4 point o?

Speaker 2:

That's right. A weighted GPA can actually go above 4 point o.

Speaker 1:

Wow.

Speaker 2:

It all depends on how the school weights those advanced courses.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

It's not uncommon to see students with weighted GPAs of 4.24.5 or even higher.

Speaker 1:

That's a big difference.

Speaker 2:

It is. I think

Speaker 1:

a lot of parents probably don't realize Yeah. That those AP classes can have that much of an impact.

Speaker 2:

It's really important to understand how it all works.

Speaker 1:

Absolutely.

Speaker 2:

And that's why these conversations need to happen early on.

Speaker 1:

Right. So students can make informed decisions about their courses.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. You know, they need to understand how their choices today can affect their future opportunities.

Speaker 1:

It's about being strategic.

Speaker 2:

It is.

Speaker 1:

Not just taking a bunch of AP classes just to take them.

Speaker 2:

Right. It has to be a balance of challenge and genuine interest.

Speaker 1:

Yeah. I mean, I know there are a lot of resources out there for parents.

Speaker 2:

Mhmm.

Speaker 1:

But it can still be a really confusing process.

Speaker 2:

It can.

Speaker 1:

What advice would you give to parents who are just feeling lost?

Speaker 2:

Well, first of all, you're not alone.

Speaker 1:

Okay. Good to know.

Speaker 2:

A lot of parents feel this way, and there are people who can help. There are experts and resources available to guide you.

Speaker 1:

And speaking of resources, we keep coming back to College Journey. Yeah. They seem to be doing things a little differently.

Speaker 2:

They are.

Speaker 1:

You mentioned their commitment to accessibility. Yeah. Can you tell us more about that?

Speaker 2:

Absolutely. Let's talk about how College Journey is making a difference for families across the country. So we were talking about College Journey's commitment to accessibility.

Speaker 1:

Yeah. I think that's something a lot of parents are concerned about. You know, traditional college counseling can be so expensive.

Speaker 2:

It really can. It's just not feasible for a lot of families.

Speaker 1:

Exactly. And that's where I think college journey is really making a difference.

Speaker 2:

They are. They're trying to make this process more inclusive and affordable for everyone.

Speaker 1:

So how do they do that?

Speaker 2:

Well, they offer a variety of plans to fit different budgets.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

And they even have scholarship opportunities available.

Speaker 1:

Yeah. That's fantastic.

Speaker 2:

It's about removing those financial barriers.

Speaker 1:

Right. Because every student deserves access to good guidance.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. It shouldn't just be for the wealthy.

Speaker 1:

Absolutely. And it sounds like that really aligns with their mission of empowering families.

Speaker 2:

It does. They want to give families the tools and knowledge they need to navigate this process with confidence.

Speaker 1:

Okay. So they're not just handing over a list colleges and saying good luck?

Speaker 2:

No. It's much more than that. It's about walking alongside families and supporting them every step of the way.

Speaker 1:

So it's a very hands on approach.

Speaker 2:

It is. And it's not just about the AI either. There's they have a whole team of human experts as well.

Speaker 1:

Oh, so there are real people involved too?

Speaker 2:

Absolutely experienced college counselors who can provide personalized support.

Speaker 1:

So you get the best of both worlds?

Speaker 2:

Exactly. The technology and the human touch.

Speaker 1:

That's great. And I imagine those counselors can help with a wide range of

Speaker 2:

They can pretty much anything you can think of from course selection to essay writing to financial aid.

Speaker 1:

So it's a very comprehensive approach.

Speaker 2:

It is. They've really thought of everything to make this process as smooth as possible.

Speaker 1:

Well, that brings us back to the students themselves. We've talked a lot about weighted GPAs Right. And how important they are for college admissions.

Speaker 2:

Huge factor.

Speaker 1:

What advice would you give to students who are trying to boost their GPA?

Speaker 2:

Well, I think the most important thing is to focus on taking challenging courses that you're genuinely interested in.

Speaker 1:

Okay. So not just loading up on AP classes for the sake of it.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. Colleges can tell when a student is just trying to game the system.

Speaker 1:

Right. They wanna see genuine passion.

Speaker 2:

Yeah. Exactly. They wanna see that you're pushing yourself in areas that you care about.

Speaker 1:

Makes sense. And, of course, good study habits are essential.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely. Time management organization, all of that is crucial for success.

Speaker 1:

So it's about building those foundational skills that will serve you well beyond college.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely. It's about setting yourself up for success in life.

Speaker 1:

Great advice. And I I think it's important to remember that it's okay to ask for help.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely. Don't be afraid to reach out to your teachers or tutors or classmates.

Speaker 1:

Yeah. There's no shame in admitting you need a little extra support.

Speaker 2:

It can make a huge difference in your academic performance.

Speaker 1:

And College Journey actually encourages that as well. Right?

Speaker 2:

They do. They have a whole network of peers and mentors who can provide guidance and encouragement.

Speaker 1:

That's wonderful. So it's really about creating that sense of community.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. And that's what I think makes them so special.

Speaker 1:

Yeah. They're not just focused on getting you into college. They're focused on your overall well-being.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. It's a very holistic approach.

Speaker 1:

I love that. And I think that's what parents are ultimately looking for.

Speaker 2:

They want their kids to be happy and successful.

Speaker 1:

Absolutely. Well, we've covered a lot of ground today.

Speaker 2:

We have a lot to think about.

Speaker 1:

What's the one key takeaway you hope listeners will walk away with?

Speaker 2:

I think the most important thing is that this whole process doesn't have be so overwhelming. Right. There are resources available. There are strategies that can help.

Speaker 1:

And you don't have to go through it alone.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. And platforms like College Journey are making a real difference in the lives of students and families.

Speaker 1:

That's great to hear.

Speaker 2:

They're changing the game making support and guidance more accessible than ever.

Speaker 1:

That's a wonderful note to end on. So thanks for joining us on this deep dive into the college admissions process. And remember, knowledge is power.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely.

Speaker 1:

And don't be afraid to seek out the resources and support that are available to you.

Speaker 2:

You got this.

Speaker 1:

Until next time. Keep those minds curious and those conversations flowing.

What is a Weighted GPA in High School?

headphones Listen Anywhere

More Options »
Broadcast by