Hey guys! My dream college has always been Princeton University. I know it's super tough to get in, so I'm just wondering, what GPA are they typically looking for?
As Princeton is one of the Ivy League colleges, they indeed have high academic standards. Generally, the average GPA of accepted students is around 3.9 out of 4.0. However, keep in mind this number refers to the unweighted GPA, meaning the plain GPA calculated on a 4.0 scale, not adjusted for the rigor of your high school coursework.
If your school uses a weighted GPA, which takes into account the advanced courses like APs or IB classes, your GPA might need to be even higher. Though it's important to note that having a GPA above 4.0 does not guarantee admission.
More than just the GPA, Princeton values the rigor of your coursework a lot. They're looking for students who have challenged themselves with advanced courses such as APs, IB, dual-enrollment, and honors.
The good news: Having a slightly lower GPA won't immediately disqualify you. Princeton utilizes a holistic admissions process, meaning they look at all aspects of your application including your essays, extracurriculars, letters of recommendation, and more.
Despite this, remembering that sitting near that 3.9 average or above will undoubtedly put you in a competitive standing for Princeton is crucial. Best of luck!
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