I'm applying to Cornell and I'm kinda worried about my GPA. Is there a 'typical' GPA that successful applicants have? Please provide any information you can. Thanks, folks!
Cornell University doesn't explicitly state a minimum GPA requirement for applications. That said, it is a highly selective institution with a strong pool of applicants, so your GPA does matter.
The average high school GPA of Cornell's admitted students is generally around 3.9 on a 4.0 scale (unweighted). This implies that a vast number of admitted students achieved straight As throughout their high school. However, this is just an average, so there are also students who get admitted with a lower GPA.
It's also important to remember that Cornell, like many top universities, considers your application holistically. So even if your GPA is slightly lower than the average, other strong elements of your application can still demonstrate your academic potential and make you a competitive candidate. For instance, if you can show exceptional achievement in extracurricular activities (especially those that align with your intended major), or you've taken a rigorous course load with AP/IB/dual-enrollment courses and performed well, these factors can help bolster a lower GPA.
Lastly, remember that Cornell is re-implementing standardized test requirements for Fall 2026 application cycle. So, if you have strong test scores, that could also offset a lower-than-average GPA.
Good luck with your application to Cornell! Don't hesitate to reach out if you have more questions.
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