Hey, I'm seriously considering applying to John Hopkins University. Could anyone let me know the average GPA they look for in applicants?
Johns Hopkins University is one of the most competitive schools in the US –– it's consistent in ranking among the top ones. With regards to GPA, the average unweighted GPA of incoming freshmen at Johns Hopkins is typically between 3.9 and 4.0. If we're talking weighted GPA, it's usually around 4.5 on a 5 scale due to high levels of rigor in students' schedules.
However, keep in mind that just meeting (or even exceeding) these numbers does not guarantee your admission. The admissions committee at Johns Hopkins, like at many highly selective colleges, follows a holistic review process. This means they're not solely basing their decision on your GPA –– they also consider other factors such as your course selection, SAT/ACT scores, essays, extracurricular involvements, letters of recommendation, and more. They're interested in seeing if you challenged yourself with your course load, if you've shown passion and commitment in your activities, and if you've made contributions to your community.
So yes, high GPA is an important part of the application, but on its own, it might not be enough. What can actually set you apart is indicating a genuine engagement in your field of interest (an academic 'spike' or two) and presenting an authentic narrative of your experiences and growth. For example, you might mention an in-depth research project you completed, a club you founded, or a business you started. Does that help clarify the picture for you?
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