GPA for Stanford?

Hey everyone, I'm curious about what GPA you need to be considered competitive for Stanford admissions. Is there a minimum GPA they're looking for? And for those who got into Stanford, what was your high school GPA if you don't mind sharing?

There is no strict minimum GPA requirement for Stanford admissions, but due to the highly competitive nature of the applicant pool, having a high GPA can certainly be advantageous. Admitted students tend to have impressive academic backgrounds, with the majority having a GPA around or above 4.0 (unweighted). While an exact number is hard to pin down, a GPA of approximately 3.9 (unweighted) is often considered the minimum to be competitive, especially when considering the other aspects of your application, such as test scores and extracurricular activities.

Please note that Stanford, like many selective institutions, takes a holistic approach to admissions, meaning they look at a variety of factors including course rigor, GPA, test scores (if submitted), essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular involvement. Your GPA is just one piece of the puzzle, so even if you have a slightly lower GPA, you can still be a strong candidate if you excel in other areas of your application.

Also, it's important to keep in mind that many students who are admitted to Stanford have taken a challenging course load throughout high school, including Honors, AP, or IB classes, which may contribute to a higher weighted GPA.

Lastly, if your GPA is not as high as you would like it to be, be sure to address any extenuating circumstances that affected your academic performance in the additional information section of the Common App or the Coalition App. This could help provide context for your GPA and may positively affect how your application is reviewed.