Weighted Grades

     Parents often ask me, "What are weighted grades and what are the advantages of a weighted class to getting into college?"   First, a weighted grade is a grade that allows for a higher grade point average.  For instance, where an A in a regular class is a 4 when calculating the GPA, in a weighted class, it is equivalent to a 5.  This is how students can potentially earn a GPA higher than a 4.0.
     In some schools where honors classes are taught, the school and the district will weigh their own grades.  Colleges do not typically accept this GPA and use their own rules to recalculate the GPA.  However, if the the class is an Advanced Placement class, the colleges will typically recognize the higher ranking. 
     Why do colleges look at AP classes differently than honors classes?  An AP class is a college class.  It is taught by strict guidelines that have to be approved by the governing board.  The student also takes a national test in May to prove the knowledge.  The student's grade should match up with the score on the test.  If students who receive A's in this class, often fail the test, this is a red flag that the grades are inflated.   For colleges that are accessing the curriculum of a school, this is a valid way to check that students are being taught and are learning college level curriculum.  Honors classes have no built in controls.  Even though the class may be rigorous, colleges have no ability to truly access the rigor.  Remenber, however, a D is still a D.  Colleges accept no D's, even in an AP Class. 
     If you are concerned whether or not a specific college wants to see AP level classes on the transcript, call the school. Even better, call or e-mail the specific department of the college your child wishes to attend.  Even though, colleges want to see high GPA's and rigorous classes, the colleges also want to see success.  If your child takes AP classes or too difficult a load, and does poorly, this proves nothing to the colleges.  The goal is to take the "challenge" your child can handle.   And always remember, when in doubt, ask.