Weighted GPA
Understanding Grade Point Average (GPA), Weighted GPA, and High School Transcripts
Beginning this term, high school report cards will include two grade point averages (GPAs): a standard GPA and a weighted GPA. This weighted GPA will reflect all the classes taken to this point in a student’s academic career.
The main purpose of a weighted GPA is to recognize the additional academic challenge students take on when they enroll in more rigorous courses. It provides a more complete picture of student achievement by considering both the grades students earn and the difficulty of their coursework. Colleges and scholarship committees may consider this during the application process.
This guide explains how standard and weighted grade point averages (GPAs) work, which classes receive extra points, what information appears on high school transcripts, and how to request an ACT score change.
What is the difference between standard and weighted GPA?
Your student has two GPAs:
- Standard GPA uses the regular 4.0 grading scale. An A earns 4 points, a B earns 3 points, a C earns 2 points, etc.
- Weighted GPA adds extra grade points for approved Early College and Advanced classes to recognize the additional academic challenge.
Extra GPA points do not change the letter grade on the report card or the amount of course credit earned.
Which classes earn extra GPA points?
Extra points apply to credit-bearing letter grades from A through D− in qualifying courses. A Pass (P) or F does not earn extra points. Eligible courses taken at SLCSD or another accredited high school may qualify.
| Early College courses | Extra points |
|---|---|
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | +1.0 |
| Advanced Placement (AP) | +1.0 |
| Concurrent Enrollment (CE) | +1.0 |
| Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Bridge courses | +1.0 |
| Advanced courses | Extra points |
|---|---|
| Honors (HNR) | +0.5 |
| Math Extended (EXT) | +0.5 |
| Pre-AP | +0.5 |
| World Language Level 3 | +0.5 |
| World Language Level 4 | +0.5 |
Do all college courses receive extra points?
No. Only approved Concurrent Enrollment (CE) or Bridge courses receive weighted points. The course must be approved by the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE), completed at a Utah college or university, and included on the USHE Concurrent Enrollment Master List. Check the approved list.
How are the two GPAs calculated?
For classes worth the same amount of credit, add the grade points and divide by the number of classes. For weighted GPA, add any eligible extra points before dividing.
| SAMPLE CALCULATIONS | |||
| Classes | Grade | Points | Added Value |
| Honors Biology | A | 4 | 0.5 |
| AP Statistics | B | 3 | 1 |
| Yoga | A | 4 | - |
| Financial Literacy | C | 2 | - |
| English/Language Arts 11 | B | 3 | - |
| Math 3 Extended | A | 4 | 0.5 |
| Mixed Choir | B | 3 | - |
| AP Environmental Science | C | 2 | 1 |
| Total | 25 | 3 |
| EXAMPLE: eight classes | Calculation | GPA |
|---|---|---|
| Standard GPA | 25 grade points divided by 8 classes | 3.13 |
| Weighted GPA | (25 grade points + 3 extra points) divided by 8 classes | 3.50 |
What about class rank?
Students have two class rankings: one based on standard GPA and one based on weighted GPA. Class rank compares a student’s GPA with those of other students in the graduating class.
Students who earn 50% or more of their total credits through homeschooling or a non-accredited school are not included in class rank.
What transcript options are available?
A transcript is your student’s official record of high school courses, grades, and credits. Families can request a version that includes class rank and ACT information, or a GPA-only version.
Different Transcript Options
These options are available for students in grades 9–12 at East, Highland, and Horizonte. At West High School, they apply to students in grade 9 in 2026–27 and to subsequent entering grade levels (West Legacy Transcript information follows).
| Transcript option | Includes |
|---|---|
| SLCSD transcript | Standard GPA, weighted GPA, both class ranks, and ACT composite score. |
| SLCSD tracript – GPAs only | Standard GPA and weighted GPA; no class ranks or ACT score |
To use the full SLCSD transcript without an ACT score, submit a score-removal request using the process below.
West High School: special rules for the classes of 2027–2029
West High students in the graduating classes of 2027, 2028, and 2029 use West’s legacy weighted-GPA calculation and legacy transcript options. The graduating class of 2030 uses the districtwide calculation.
| West transcript options | Includes |
|---|---|
| West Legacy transcript | Standard GPA, weighted GPA, both class ranks, and ACT composite score |
| West Legacy transcript – GPAs only | Standard GPA and weighted GPA; no class ranks or ACT score |
To use the full West Legacy transcript without an ACT score, submit a score-removal request.
Can my student change or remove an ACT score on the transcript?
Yes. On transcripts that include ACT information, the district lists the composite score from the state-administered ACT. A student may request either:
- To replace that score with a higher ACT composite score, using an official ACT score report; or
- To remove the ACT score from the next transcript printing or sending.
The transcript shows a composite score only. ACT Superscores are not entered on transcripts.
How to submit a request
Go to “Data, Public Records, & Research Requests.” Choose the request type “Request to update an ACT score.”
Include the applicant’s name, address, phone number, and email; the student’s name, date of birth, and school; whether the request is to update or remove the score; and a signature. To update a score, attach an official ACT score report that identifies the student and shows the reported scores. An unofficial score-summary screen is not sufficient.
What if records need to be sent to another school district?
From the same “Data, Public Records, & Research Requests” page, choose “Request Student Records for Enrollment/Transfer (Other LEAs)” under Request Type.
Questions? Contact your student’s school counselor.