Is a 3.90 G.P.A. going to get me into a good college?

Question

I attend a predominant magnet school in Philadelphia and I was wondering if my 3.90 G.P.A. was good enough for me to even consider applying to colleges like UPenn, Colgate, and Carnegie Mellon. (I read somewhere online that a 3.9 G.P.A. was bad so thats why I wanted to know.) My cumulative grade point average is 3.90 out of 4.0 and my cumulative weighted average is 96.1. These are the from my 9th and 10th grade year. I'm in my junior year now and I'm trying really hard by taking mostly A.P. and honor courses. I would greatly appreciate it if someone would respond. Thanks in advance, Jerry

Answer 1

As a recent college graduate who attended three separate schools during my five years in college, I can tell you that while grades are important, it is becoming more and more important to get yourself involved in extracurricular activities, whether it's sports or student council or whatever. I actually went to high school with a girl that had a 4.0 GPA when she graduated but almost didn't get into the school she wanted because she did NOTHING outside of school.

My GPA going into college was decent, around 3.3 or so, but I also was involved in sports and clubs, and that's what impresses people the most. Anyone can study and get near-perfect grades, but when you can show them that you can have good grades AND balance that with extracurricular activities, that's what gives you an advantage. My advice is to try to maintain your GPA and get yourself involved in any sort of club or sport that you have an interest in...unless you already are, which if that's the case, then you have nothing to worry about.

Good luck!

Answer 2

everybody is trying to guess what will get them into a top school ... just like a lot of people are trying to guess which stock will be the top performers. there are multiple strategies, most of which have some merit but none of which is a "golden key". good grades in hs are obviously an important indicator of ability to suceed academically.

that said, a 3.90/4.00 GPA is definately not going to disqualify you from any of the schools you mentioned ... don't lose any sleep over that. (anyone who tells you any different either does not know or is yanking your chain) schools do look at other things (because of general grade inflation and the fact that grading is anything but standardized from one school to another or even from one teacher to the next). admissions officers will look at the big picuture which includes hs GPA, SAT scores, hs class rank, the kinds of classes you took (AP, math and science classes generally will gain you some respect here) and anything else which "sets you apart" and makes it look like you are mature enough to suceed at university.

good luck!!

Answer 3

Heck yes that will get you in, especially if you're taking AP and honors courses. Make sure that you are 'well-rounded' though - since you're a junior, if you haven't had any extracurriculars, a job, or volunteer experience, now's the time to do that. Your SAT scores and your essay/application materials will be considered as well.

Keep up the good work and try not to stress out too much!

Answer 4

A 3.9 GPA will be good enough to get you into most colleges, especially if you are focusing on the AP courses. One thing that may help sway the admissions is the extra curricular activities. Be involved at school ( sports, student govt. , etc.) Between a good student and a well rounded student, many times the well rounded will win. Good luck with whatever college you end up in. Remember, just do your best and you will end up at a school that will best suit you.

Answer 5

anyone who says a 3.90/4.00 GPA is bad is a moron - you might still need more than good grades though

Answer 6

Grade is one criteria, strength of schedule ( home ec. vs algebra2) also SAT scores.

Answer 7

The gradepoint is great--next problem, money.