An unweighted GPA (Grade Point Average) is a numerical representation of a student's academic performance on a standard scale, typically ranging from 0.0 to 4.0. It calculates the average of grades received in courses without considering the difficulty level of those courses. For example, an "A" in a regular class and an "A" in an advanced class both contribute equally to the GPA.
This system allows for straightforward comparisons between students, as it treats all classes the same. However, it does not account for the rigor of advanced courses like AP (Advanced Placement) or IB (International Baccalaureate), which can lead to a less nuanced understanding of a student's capabilities.