Concerned about my GPA—Is 3.85 a good GPA for top 20 colleges?

Hey, I have a 3.85 GPA and was wondering if that's considered high enough for top 20 colleges. I know it's not a 'bad' GPA, but I'm trying not to take any chances. I'm especially looking at Ivies or equivalent schools. Any insights?

While a GPA of 3.85 is quite strong and well above the national average, the context of this GPA can greatly impact its perceived "competitiveness" at top 20 colleges. College admissions consider more than just the raw numerical value of your GPA, they look into factors like course rigor and grade trends.

Something additional to consider is the grade inflation or deflation at your high school. Some high schools are notorious for grade deflation, giving students lower grades than their proficiency level might indicate. Other schools may practice grade inflation, assigning higher grades more frequently. Admissions officers are usually aware of such dynamics at various high schools and will take these into account when evaluating your GPA.

Also, top 20 colleges will be interested in what courses you took to earn your GPA. A student who took rigorous courses (like AP or IB classes) and earned a slightly lower GPA will typically be seen as more academically competitive than a student who took easier classes and earned a perfect GPA.

Each college has their standards and expectations. You can look up the average GPA of admitted students at the colleges you're interested in to get a sense of how your GPA might compare.

Lastly, remember that while academic performance is important, admissions also review other aspects of your application such as extracurricular involvement, essays, letters of recommendation, and more. So, aim to excel in those areas as well. It's also crucial to have a range of schools on your list—reach, match, and safety schools—to ensure you have options when decisions start rolling in.