1. Determine the weighted/unweighted GPA from each school separately. This is crucial because weighting systems (e.g., giving extra points for honors/AP courses) vary considerably. Each school will calculate its GPA based on its own system.
2. Convert GPAs to a common scale if necessary. If one school uses a 4.0 scale and the other uses a weighted scale (e.g., 5.0 or higher), the GPAs must be converted to a comparable scale before they can be combined. This often involves careful analysis of each school's grading policies. A guidance counselor is best suited to do this conversion.
3. Calculate the weighted average GPA. Once both GPAs are on the same scale, a weighted average can be computed, reflecting the proportion of time spent at each school:
* Georgia GPA: Georgia GPA * 0.40
* Private School GPA: Private School GPA * 0.60
* Combined GPA: (Georgia GPA * 0.40) + (Private School GPA * 0.60)
Example:
Let's say:
* Georgia School GPA (4.0 scale): 3.5
* Private School GPA (4.0 scale): 3.8
The combined GPA would be:
(3.5 * 0.40) + (3.8 * 0.60) = 1.4 + 2.28 = 3.68
Important Considerations:
* Course rigor: The combined GPA might not accurately reflect the overall academic rigor. A 3.8 in a challenging private school curriculum might be more impressive than a 3.5 in a less demanding public school.
* College Applications: Colleges will likely consider transcripts from both schools individually. They are familiar with the nuances of different high school grading systems and will evaluate the student's academic record accordingly. Submitting both transcripts is essential.
* Weighting: The above calculation assumes *unweighted* GPAs. If either school uses a weighted GPA system, that must be accounted for in the conversion and averaging process.
In short, don't try to do this on your own. Contact both schools' guidance counselors; they have the expertise and access to the necessary information to accurately calculate and document your GPA.