Hey guys, I've been wondering, what's considered a high GPA in high school? I know that a 4.0 is technically perfect, but I've heard of weighted GPAs going above that, so I'm a bit confused. What GPA should I be aiming for to really stand out to colleges?
Aiming for the highest GPA possible is wise, but the term 'high GPA' can vary depending on the context. Unweighted GPAs are typically on a 4.0 scale, where anything above 3.5 is often considered 'good.' Weighted GPAs take into account the difficulty of your courses, like honors or AP classes, and can exceed 4.0 because of the additional points these classes provide.
Ultimately, 'high' is relative to the college you're aiming for. For top-tier universities, you'll generally see successful applicants with weighted GPAs that are closer to 4.5 or above. However, keep in mind that these institutions also look for rigorous coursework, so it's not just the number but the quality of your classes that matters.
To stand out to colleges, aim for the best performance you can manage in the most challenging courses you can handle successfully. Referring to the average GPAs of admitted students at your colleges of interest can provide a more tangible target.
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