Most of the great colleges refuse to give an average high school GPA for their undergraduates. Approximately what is the average GPA of a Harvard undergrad?
2006-11-22 05:16:16 · 3 answers · asked by EF 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Yes, colleges re-weight GPAs to try to set them on a level playing field, based on the schools they're from, the rigor of the level (Honors, AP, etc.), etc.
SATs and SAT Subject Tests are more standardized. Harvard definitely wants the latter.
You'll want a high GPA, to have taken some of/the highest level courses in subjects, shown passion for and leadership in a few extracurricular areas. Additionally, it could be there's something else that really sets you apart that is something they're looking for...e.g. lacrosse, oboe player, interest in theater. You never really know.
Certainly, if you're interested in Harvard, you should take a tour and try for an admissions interview (if they grant these.) Perhaps you can review your qualifications and ask if there's anything you can/should do to boost your chances of acceptance.
Suggest you not get obssessed with just one school. There are many fine colleges and if you don't get into one, you'll get into another of equal/close "value and prestige." That is, assuming you're in the right ballpark re: your credentials to date.
Best of luck to you.
2006-11-22 13:55:57 · answer #1 · answered by Shars 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The reason they don't list GPA's is because it's misleading, unlike with SAT or ACT scores.
At Harvard, like at all top schools, they know a lot about each school people are applying from. If you get straight A's from some crappy public school versus getting A's and B's from a really good/competitive high school, they know that the second one is better, even though that student's gpa might be lower. That's why they never list GPA's; it's not reliable information.
If you do well at your particular school and take advantage of all your academic opportunities (like APs or honors classes) you'll probably be okay for the Harvard AdComm from an academic perspective.
2006-11-22 10:09:59 · answer #2 · answered by xanaduthefish 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
going by the old SATs, the mimimum they wanted [when i applied to school in 05] is atleast a 1340ish
2006-11-22 05:29:24 · answer #3 · answered by woah 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋