If you want to know if a 3.7 is a good GPA, we’ve covered everything you need to know. In this guide, we’ll explain the colleges that accept a 3.7 GPA, how to boost your GPA, and more.
Although most top colleges use a holistic review process, your GPA plays a crucial role in the overall strength of your application. So is 3.7 a good GPA? Let’s get into it.
The strength of a 3.7 GPA depends on your school and its scale. According to the College Board, the 4.0 unweighted scale is often used by colleges and high schools. A 3.7 GPA as a letter grade is A-. Converted to a percentage, a 3.7 GPA shows you’ve scored an average of 90-92% in all your classes.
An unweighted GPA doesn’t consider the difficulty of your classes. For example, getting an A or B in an AP or IB class would impact your GPA in the same way a regular course would.
Schools that use 4.5, 5.0, or even 12.0 scales mean their students can achieve a GPA higher than 4.0. Classes are worth more when schools use unweighted GPA scales. But we encourage you to take challenging classes, as it shows colleges you’re up for the rigor of college.
Your GPA affects your chances of getting into college because it is a concrete number by which the admissions committee can assess your academic preparedness. However, the context of your GPA matters as well. Darryl Tiggle, a former Senior Associate Director of Admissions at Tufts University, expands on this idea:
"To simplify it, college admissions decisions are made in two ways. They're either data-driven: it's about the numbers—what's your GPA, what's your testing, what's your number of different things—or they're holistic. But because of the volume of selectivity, this [holistic] process has to [still] intersect with data. So make sure that you keep your grades up. Your high school GPA, and that's a number, right, is important because it gives them some context of your academic journey. What kind of courses you've taken, if there's an AP curriculum that's available at your school, if you’ve taken advantage of that. What’s the context of your GPA? The number is important and your road to getting there is important."
Although there are many factors that go into the admissions process, committees will typically first review your grades and test scores (if applicable) before proceeding with the rest of your application.
A 3.7 GPA is a very good GPA, particularly on an unweighted scale, however, it doesn't automatically secure admission to highly selective colleges. A 3.7 GPA means that you’re in the 92nd percentile on a 4.0 scale, which is very impressive! If you hold a 3.7 unweighted GPA, you’ll be in good standing at many competitive colleges.
So, how should you choose colleges based on your 3.7 GPA? Many colleges will happily accept students with this GPA. Below, we’ll get into what reach, target, and safety schools you can build into your college list with a 3.7 GPA.
Your reach schools are colleges that can be challenging to get into. For these colleges, a 3.7 GPA alone may not be enough to gain admission. Your grades and test scores are lower than the averages of their accepted students, but if you apply yourself and work hard, you have a chance at acceptance.
Source: Johns Hopkins University, Stanford University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Michigan, and UC Berkeley
Your target schools are the colleges that are likely to accept you based on your grades and test scores. Nothing is guaranteed, but these are schools that should match your level of academic rigor. Getting into these colleges with a 3.7 GPA is certainly doable.
Source: New York University, Purdue University, Pepperdine University, University of Connecticut, and Clark University
To gain ever more insight into your chances of acceptance to your target schools, consider using our free college admissions calculator!
Safety schools are colleges that are highly likely to accept you. Your grades and test scores exceed the average for their admitted classes. For these colleges, your 3.7 GPA will likely get you accepted.
Source: University of Oklahoma, University of San Francisco, Howard University, Penn State University, and Texas Tech University
Remember, you’re not limited to just these colleges with a 3.7 GPA. Check the class statistics to know if your dream school accepts a 3.7 GPA.
If you’re still unsure of which schools to add to your college list, our college comparison tool can help! It creates side-by-side college comparisons of two schools at a time, including their rankings, acceptance rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, average GPAs, and even their tuition fees!
Highly competitive schools, including the Ivy League, often admit students with GPAs closer to 4.0. So, how do you raise your 3.7 GPA for college? We have the answers here.
You may not always like every class you need to take, but you must do well in all your courses to raise your GPA. Try to view each class as an opportunity to learn something new, even if it’s not a subject you’re particularly interested in.
While this sounds obvious, attending all your classes can have a massive positive impact on your GPA. You won’t ever miss any quizzes or tests, and you’ll know there are no gaps in your learning at the end of the course.
Most people tend to be good at the things they’re passionate about, and coursework is no exception. While you need to fulfill course requirements, don’t be afraid to pursue your interests. You’ll have more fun, enjoy learning for the sake of learning, and you might surprise yourself with how well you do.
Final exams often carry a lot of weight toward your final grade. Think of these tests as an excellent opportunity to increase your GPA by raising your total course grade. Start reviewing for your final exams well before they’re scheduled. It’s best to avoid cramming at all costs.
Don’t let yourself get swallowed up by one grade. Create a plan to do better next time and push through the setback. Remember to not be too hard on yourself!
A consistent study plan is your best pal if you want to boost your GPA. Reviewing what you’ve learned consistently in bite-sized pieces helps you better retain knowledge.
If your GPA isn't quite where you want it to be, don't stress – there's always time to improve it, especially if you start early. Thinking about your long-term goals and future career path while still in high school can feel overwhelming. That's why we've put together a list of actionable tips to help you raise your GPA, no matter which grade you're in.
Your first year of high school can be overwhelming, especially if you focus on everything all at once. Contrary to popular belief, it is never too early to start preparing for college. Here’s what Dr. Nick Accrocco, a former admissions officer at Vanderbilt University and an application reviewer at the University of Pennsylvania, says to keep in mind during your freshman year:
“What you do in ninth grade sets the tone for the rest of your high school career. Establishing a strong academic record and getting involved in extracurriculars early on can open up more opportunities later. By having a plan and starting early, you can avoid the stress and rush that often come with the college application process. Use ninth grade to lay a solid foundation. The more you do now to get yourself organized and establish good habits, the easier it will be to manage the more demanding tasks of junior and senior years."
Considering this, it’s important to enjoy this year as best as you can while also exploring your interests. Join some clubs, ask for help, and prepare for the next couple of years, but don’t stress yourself out.
This can be a tricky year since you’re not quite a junior but not quite a senior yet in high school. Try not to fall into the trap of breezing through this year; instead, focus on improving your studies by getting a head start on standardized tests.
Now is when you should really be focusing on your studies. You’ve only got one more year after this, so make this year count. Try taking harder courses such as AP or IB, as this will significantly improve your college experience. Start looking for colleges and draft your college list, even if it’s the first draft. You’ll thank yourself in the future for getting a head start!
While it may seem early to begin your personal statement, Varna, a former admissions member at Columbia University, urges students to pay close attention to this critical application component:
“It's not just about your GPA and SAT scores. Schools are looking for students who have a clear sense of why they want to attend their institution and how they will contribute to the campus community. Your personal statement and how you present your extracurricular activities and interests [in them] are equally important.”
Congratulations! You’re in your final year of high school! This can be the most stressful year, but only if you’ve left things to the last minute. By now, you should have a college list drafted, AP or IB courses to put on your college resume, and a good sense of what to do next. Focus this year on applying for scholarships and write down each college timeline to stay on track.
Remember, improving your GPA is a gradual process that requires consistency and effort. By implementing these tips and staying focused on your goals, you can improve your GPA to even Ivy League standards, opening doors to exciting future opportunities.
Read our FAQs about GPAs and college admission:
While 3.7 is a good high school GPA, Ivy League schools are incredibly competitive, and a 3.7 GPA alone isn’t enough to differentiate yourself. Applicants generally have a better chance of getting into an Ivy League school if they get closer to a 4.0 GPA.
Your grade point average (GPA) demonstrates your academic aptitude. A 3.7 GPA’s letter grade is A- and is in the 92nd percentile of all college students. A GPA is calculated by adding all of your final grades and dividing them by the number of classes you took.
Harvard is highly competitive, so it may be challenging to get in with a 3.7 GPA. The average GPA for entering Harvard students is 3.9.
Admitted UPenn students have achieved a 3.8–4.0 GPA or equivalent in their high school years. Getting admitted to UPenn with a 3.7 GPA may be challenging, so you should aim for higher SAT/ACT scores.
Cornell University’s minimum GPA requirement is a 3.5. However, you must obtain a higher GPA than this to remain competitive during the admissions process.
A 3.7 unweighted GPA is considered very good. With a 3.7 unweighted GPA, you are likely to be a competitive applicant at many colleges and universities.
A 3.7 weighted GPA is generally considered very good. It indicates that you've earned mostly A's and a few B's in your high school classes, with some of those classes being more challenging, such as AP or honors courses.
Many merit-based scholarships set their minimum GPA requirement around 3.5-3.7. Having a 3.7 GPA makes you eligible for many of these academic scholarships.
Some specific examples of scholarships you may qualify for with a 3.7 GPA include:
To improve your GPA, focus on developing effective study habits, attending classes regularly, and seeking help from professors, tutors, or classmates when needed. Prioritizing assignments, managing your time well, and staying organized can also contribute to a GPA of 4.0 or higher.
Overall, a 3.7 GPA is impressive. As a percentage, a 3.7 GPA means you’ve achieved an average of 90-92% in your classes. Achieving a 3.7 GPA in high school is good, and with an excellent application, there are many schools where you have a shot at acceptance.
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