Hey guys! I just calculated my GPA and it turned out to be a 3.64. I'm feeling mixed about it. Is this a competitive GPA for top universities? And how does it stand compared to a 4.0 scale?
Your GPA of 3.64, when assessed loosely, can be considered good. However, when considering admissions to top universities, the definition of 'good' changes a fair bit. Most top tier schools typically have an average GPA around 3.8 to 3.9. That being said, GPA criteria can vary greatly among universities and even programs within those universities.
It's important to remember though that many of these universities will consider the rigor of your coursework. They'll appreciate if you've challenged yourself with AP or Honors coursework. If you're maintaining a 3.64 GPA while taking a challenging course load, this could be viewed favorably, in comparison to a student with a higher GPA who is taking less rigorous classes.
In the 4.0 scale, a GPA of 3.64 falls between a A- (3.7) and a B+ (3.3). This translates to above-average academic achievement. But keep in mind that college admissions take into account more than just your GPA. Your extracurricular activities, essays, recommendation letters, and test scores (if the schools you are applying to are not test-blind) are also very important.
Lastly, I'd suggest focusing on what you can control moving forward. Continue to aim for strong grades and pursue your passions outside the classroom. All of these pieces together help to create a comprehensive application that admissions committees will review holistically.
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