Hey everyone, dreaming big here and aiming for Stanford! Does anyone know what GPA they generally require for admission? I'm aware there's more to it, but would appreciate some ballpark figure.
Stanford University, like many top-tier schools, doesn't state a "required" GPA, but the caliber of students they accept typically have very high GPAs. The middle 50% range of GPAs for the most recently admitted class at Stanford usually falls between 4.18 - 4.60 on a weighted scale. This doesn't necessarily mean you need a GPA within this range to get accepted, but it gives an indication of the typical academic performance of admitted students.
But remember, the higher your GPA doesn't guarantee admission either. Stanford has a holistic admissions process and they take into account many factors beyond GPA such as the rigor of your course load, your standardized test scores (if you choose to submit them), your essays, recommendation letters, extracurricular activities, and more. So, while GPA is important, the admissions officers want to see that you're challenging yourself academically and excelling in other areas too.
For example, if you took a rigorous curriculum of AP or IB courses, admissions officers will take that into account. Admissions officers might favor a student with a slightly lower GPA who took more challenging classes over a student who earned a 4.0 taking easy classes. Your coursework can show your academic interest and intellectual drive.
To sum up, aim for a high GPA, but also make sure to focus on other areas of your application to present a strong, well-rounded profile.
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