Typical High School Grades?

This might sound odd, but what's considered an 'average' letter grade across high schools in the US? I'm curious how my performance stacks up before I start applying to colleges. Thanks!

It's difficult to pinpoint a precise "average" letter grade across all high schools in the US since grading criteria and levels of difficulty can vary greatly among different schools, states, and regions. However, we can get an idea of where you might stand by considering some general trends.

Many people assume that a "C" is the average grade, but in recent years, there's been some grade inflation, which has led to higher average letter grades at many high schools. As a result, the average letter grade is often considered to be a "B" or a "B-" in most schools.

That being said, it's crucial to remember that what colleges expect in terms of grades varies widely from school to school. Some schools may view grades in the 3.0-3.3 range favorably, but more selective schools will want to see a much higher number, ideally one that's quite close to 4.0 unweighted.

I'd suggest looking at the average GPAs of accepted students at the schools you're considering - you can usually find this information either on their website or through third parties like CollegeVine. Do keep in mind that colleges often look at more than just grades. They also consider class difficulty, class rank, and your overall academic profile to get a better understanding of your accomplishments.

Furthermore, college admission officers are also interested in understanding your story, which includes your extracurricular activities, essays, interviews, and letters of recommendation. So, even if your GPA is slightly below average at some of your schools, that doesn't mean you won't be accepted. You'll just want to make sure the other aspects of your application show off your strengths effectively.

In short, while understanding how your grades compare with others is certainly a valid concern, it's essential to keep the bigger picture in mind and focus on developing your overall strengths and interests. Good luck with your college apps!