Your GPA plays a major role in college admissions, but it is not just about getting straight A’s. What really matters is the rigor of your coursework. That is where Honors and AP classes come in.
These advanced classes can boost your GPA through weighted grading, while also showing colleges that you are prepared to handle challenging academic material. But how exactly do they affect your GPA, and is one better than the other?
In this guide, we will break down how Honors and AP classes impact your GPA, explain how the weighting system works, and help you decide which path is right for your goals.
What Are Honors and AP Classes?
Honors classes are advanced high school courses that offer a more challenging version of the standard curriculum. They vary by school and are designed to deepen subject understanding through faster pacing and more complex material.
AP (Advanced Placement) classes are standardized, college-level courses developed by the College Board. They follow a national curriculum and offer students the opportunity to earn college credit through AP exams.
While both are rigorous, AP classes are standardized and exam-based, whereas Honors classes are school-specific and curriculum-focused.
How Honors and AP Classes Are Weighted in GPA Calculations
High schools often use a weighted GPA scale to reward students for taking more challenging courses like Honors and AP classes. While a standard unweighted GPA treats all classes equally on a 4.0 scale, a weighted GPA adds extra points for advanced coursework.
Typically, Honors classes add 0.5 points, and AP classes add 1.0 points to your grade. For example, earning a B (3.0) in an AP class might count as a 4.0 on the weighted scale. Likewise, a B in an Honors course could be calculated as a 3.5.
How Honors Classes Specifically Impact Your GPA?
Honors classes usually add 0.5 points to your GPA on a weighted scale. So, a B (3.0) in an Honors course might be calculated as a 3.5 GPA. This rewards students for taking on more rigorous coursework.
However, unweighted GPA remains unchanged—Honors classes are treated like standard classes in that system. Since GPA policies vary by school, some institutions may assign different weights or no weight at all.
Even without standardized scoring like AP classes, Honors courses still signal academic effort and can strengthen your high school GPA when weighted appropriately.
How AP Classes Specifically Impact Your GPA?
AP (Advanced Placement) classes typically add 1.0 point to your weighted GPA. That means a B (3.0) in an AP course would count as a 4.0 GPA on the weighted scale, higher than the same grade in a standard or even an Honors class.
Unlike Honors classes, AP courses follow a standardized curriculum and include end-of-year AP exams. High scores may earn college credit or allow students to skip introductory college courses.
Because of their rigor and credit potential, AP classes can significantly raise your GPA and make your academic record stand out.
Honors vs AP: Which Should You Choose?
Honors and AP classes both show colleges that you are taking a challenging academic path, but they serve slightly different purposes.
If you’re looking to boost your GPA and explore subjects in more depth without the pressure of a national exam, Honors classes are a great choice. They’re often more manageable and can still improve your weighted GPA.
AP classes, on the other hand, are ideal if you want to earn college credit, prepare for college-level work, and stand out in competitive admissions. They’re more rigorous and require sitting for a standardized AP exam, which adds extra pressure but also offers more reward.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your strengths, goals, and schedule. Some students even combine both, taking Honors classes in earlier years and APs as they build academic confidence.
Why Colleges Value Honors and AP Classes
Colleges look beyond just your GPA—they want to see course rigor. Taking Honors and AP classes shows that you are willing to challenge yourself with advanced coursework, not just aim for easy A’s.
These classes reflect your academic motivation and help demonstrate college readiness. AP courses, in particular, follow a college-level curriculum, and strong AP exam scores may even earn you college credit or advanced placement.
Even if your school calculates GPA differently, most admissions officers will evaluate your transcript in context, giving more weight to students who pursued the most rigorous courses available. Choosing Honors and AP classes can make your profile stand out, especially at competitive colleges.
Taking Honors and AP classes can significantly influence your weighted GPA and make your academic record more competitive for college admissions. While Honors classes typically add 0.5 points, AP courses can add 1.0 full point, especially when paired with strong performance.
More importantly, these classes reflect your willingness to challenge yourself—something admissions officers pay close attention to. Whether you choose Honors, AP, or both, the key is to strike a balance between difficulty and performance.
By understanding how these courses affect your GPA, you can make smarter decisions that align with your strengths and your college goals.
Try My Evaluation Pal’s Free GPA Calculator
Calculate your GPA instantly — accurate, easy, and completely free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?
Unweighted GPA is calculated on a standard 4.0 scale, treating all classes equally. Weighted GPA, on the other hand, gives extra points for advanced courses like Honors and AP classes, which can raise a student’s GPA above 4.0.
How much does an Honors class add to GPA?
Most high schools add 0.5 points for an Honors class on a weighted GPA scale. For example, a B (3.0) in an Honors course would be calculated as a 3.5.
How much does an AP class add to GPA?
AP classes typically add 1.0 point to your weighted GPA. So, a B in an AP course (normally 3.0) would count as a 4.0 when weighted.
Can you get college credit from AP exams?
Yes. Many colleges award college credit for AP exam scores, usually for a score of 4 or 5, and sometimes for a 3, depending on the school and subject.
Should I take AP exams if I take AP classes?
It’s strongly recommended. Taking the AP exam allows you to earn college credit or skip introductory college courses. It also shows follow-through and commitment to academic rigor.
Does Getting a B in Honors/AP Affect Your GPA More Than an A in Regular?
A B in an Honors or AP class often results in a higher weighted GPA than an A in a regular class. For example, a B in an AP class (4.0 weighted) is still higher than an A in a regular class (4.0 unweighted).
How Many Honors and AP Classes Should You Take?
There’s no fixed number, but for competitive colleges, taking several Honors and AP courses across core subjects is encouraged. Aim for what you can handle without hurting your grades, balance is key.