What is a 'good' GPA in high school?

Hi guys! I've been thinking about college admissions and wanted to know your opinions on what is considered a 'good' GPA in high school. I know it varies depending on the college, but what do you think is a solid GPA to aim for? Thanks for your help!

Hi there! A so-called "good" GPA can indeed be subjective, as it depends both on the college you're aiming for and the courses you're taking. However, I can give you a general idea of what might be considered competitive and what makes a GPA stand out.

A GPA of 3.0 is typically seen as an average or solid GPA, as it corresponds to a straight B average. Achieving a 3.5 GPA, which translates to essentially a mix of A's and B's, is generally considered competitive at many colleges, especially if high academic rigor is maintained alongside extracurricular involvement.

To be considered an even stronger candidate for competitive colleges, aiming for a GPA of 3.7 or higher (with predominantly A's) is advisable. Highly selective colleges, such as those in the Ivy League, usually look for GPAs in the range of 3.8-4.0 (unweighted), although these schools also consider factors beyond GPA, like extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations.

Keep in mind the importance of academic rigor in your coursework. A higher GPA in challenging courses like Honors, AP, or IB classes is often viewed more favorably than a high GPA in less challenging standard classes, as it demonstrates both intellectual curiosity and a commitment to challenge yourself.

In summary, the definition of a "good" GPA will depend on the schools you're interested in and your personal goals; however, a 3.5 or higher is generally seen as a competitive baseline to aim for while maintaining academic rigor and a well-rounded extracurricular profile.