A tool provided by Mercer University, this instrument is designed to estimate a student’s grade point average, factoring in the weight assigned to different course levels. For example, advanced placement or honors courses often receive a higher weighting than standard level classes, potentially boosting the overall GPA. This calculation considers both the grades earned and the corresponding credit hours for each course.
This method offers a more nuanced assessment of academic performance compared to a simple unweighted GPA, as it acknowledges the varying difficulty of courses taken. This weighted value is frequently used by universities in the admissions process to gain a better understanding of a candidate’s academic strengths and the rigor of their chosen curriculum. Historically, it has emerged as a way to reward students who challenge themselves with more demanding coursework.
