I'm starting to prep my college applications and Cornell is at the top of my list. Does anyone know what GPA I should have to be a competitive applicant for an Ivy League school like Cornell?
Hi there! It’s great that you have your sights set on Cornell; it's a fantastic institution! As for GPA expectations, while Cornell does not have an official 'minimum' GPA, prospective students typically have very strong academic records. Most successful applicants to Ivy League schools like Cornell tend to have unweighted GPAs of 3.7 or higher — many are closer to a 4.0. Additionally, since Cornell uses a holistic review process, your course rigor, classes taken, and improvements over the years are also considered alongside your GPA.
To be competitive, you should aim for the highest GPA you can achieve while taking challenging courses like APs or IBs, if available. Meanwhile, do prioritize maintaining balance and don't forget to be engaged in activities where you can show leadership and passion. Every bit helps in demonstrating your capabilities and fit for a school like Cornell. Remember that GPA is only one part of the application, but it’s definitely an important one, so keep striving for academic excellence!
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