Does Common App GPA Include PE? (Spoiler Alert: It’s Complicated)
So, you’re staring at the Common App, wrestling with the dreaded “Courses and Grades” section. You’re sweating bullets, wondering if you should include those PE grades. Is it going to make or break your application? Will a “B” in “Weight Training” scream “Unathletic” to the admissions committee?
Relax, my friend. We’re going to dive into the murky waters of Common App GPA and PE, and come out the other side with a clear understanding. Let’s just say, the Common App is like a choose-your-own-adventure book with a whole lot of “depends.”
The Short Answer:
It depends.
Yes, PE usually counts towards your calculated GPA. However, it’s often excluded from the weighted GPA calculation used by many colleges.
The Long Answer (Because, you know, life is long):
Here’s the breakdown:
- Your school’s GPA: Most schools calculate your GPA including PE. Unless you took your PE as a Pass/Fail, it’s likely factored into your overall GPA. This means those gym sessions are actually contributing to your academic standing.
- Common App GPA: The Common App doesn’t directly calculate your GPA. It’s a self-reported beast. You’ll provide your unweighted and weighted GPA, which your school calculated. So, if your school includes PE in its GPA, it’s already reflected in the numbers you’re submitting.
- UC GPA (The California Dream): The University of California system has its own GPA calculation, affectionately called the “a-g” GPA. This system focuses on specific A-G courses that are relevant to college-level academics. PE, unfortunately, doesn’t make the cut. So, unless you’re doing a serious ballet performance in your gym class (props to you, if you are!), it won’t affect your UC GPA.
- The Fine Print: Some Common App colleges have specific requirements for courses they consider in their admissions process. It’s always a good idea to check the specific college’s website for their GPA and course expectations.
So, Do I Include PE in the Common App?
Here’s the thing: you can include it. It’s not going to hurt, especially if your school includes it in your GPA. Think of it as a little “extra” for the admissions folks. It gives them a more complete picture of your academic experience.
However, if you’re dealing with a school that doesn’t care about PE, it’s not necessary. It’s more important to focus on the A-G courses, which are the ones that really matter in the grand scheme of college admissions.
The Bottom Line:
The world of college applications is a labyrinth of confusing acronyms and GPA calculations. Don’t stress about PE too much. Focus on your strong academic performance in the courses that matter, and if your PE grades are solid, there’s no harm in including them. Remember, it’s all about presenting a well-rounded picture of yourself, both academically and personally.
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