In the US, when we think to admit in college, GPA plays an important role. It acts as evidence for student academic performance which holds a high value when they are applying for colleges and financial aid. And getting the highest GPA is not an easy thing. There are different types of GPA like weighted GPA and unweighted GPA. In this article, we will look into the concepts like what is the highest GPA, different types of GPA scales, and many more!!
If we want to know what is the highest GPA then we need to know about the different types of GPA scales we have because the highest GPA will depend on the GPA scale that we are using. We will have two types of scales a weighted scale and an unweighted scale. The most commonly used GPA scale is an unweighted scale ( 0-4 scale ) that has the highest GPA of 4.0, but some weighted scales like 0-4.5 or 0-5 scale make higher GPAs possible.
On a weighted GPA scale, the average GPA will be determined by the difficulty of the course. On this scale, the highest GPA that you can earn is 5.0. The grade point increases by +1 as compared to the unweighted scale.
GPA (WEIGHTED) |
GRADE |
5 |
A |
4 |
B |
3 |
C |
2 |
D |
1 |
F |
0 |
F |
This weighted scale is less popular compared to the unweighted scale as most colleges hold back from incorporating the 'difficulty of course' into their consideration.
On an unweighted GPA scale, the highest GPA will be 4.0. Unweighted GPA scales are counted to calculate the GPA without considering the difficulty of the class. If you want to get a 4.0 then you need to earn an A grade in all classes.
GPA (Unweighted) |
Grade |
4 |
A+ |
4 |
A |
3.7 |
A- |
3.3 |
B+ |
3 |
B |
2.7 |
B- |
2.3 |
C+ |
2 |
C |
1.7 |
C- |
1.3 |
D+ |
1 |
D |
0 |
F |
A GPA higher than 5.0 scale is very rare. And in most schools and colleges, we see an unweighted GPA. If these scales make you confused you can just check out our How to calculate GPA on our site.
1. What are the benefits of a high GPA?
In the US, your total academic career depends on your GPA. If you want to apply for scholarships or for financial aid, the GPA will show your effort in your academics. If you have the highest GPA that shows a successful academic career and it shows your effort. When you apply to college or for financial aid it will give them a positive look as it will speak about your diligence.
2. How do I earn a high GPA?
Earning a high GPA is not tough and impossible but it needs some hard work, dedication, and persistence. From the beginning, you need to work hard. So that you will earn a high GPA.
3. Is 5.0 a high GPA?
It will be purely based on the GPA scale that your school is using, if your school uses an unweighted GPA then the high GPA will be 4.0 or if your school uses the weighted GPA scale then 5.0 will be the high GPA.
We hope that the information that was provided above regarding what is the highest GPA is useful and beneficial to you. Still, if you need any assistance you can comment to us in the comment section. Stay connected to our site for more interesting updates.