GPA is Important! 

Colleges and universities have individual application requirements. Some list their minimum requirements for college-bound students. Most stress the importance of beginning to plan early in high school in order to ensure you take recommended courses and achieve the required grade point average. Students should research entrance standards long before beginning their senior years.  

  

Top Schools

 

Many Ivy League and other top-rated colleges only accept students with an "A" average (3.5 to 4.0 GPA). Schools also take other factors into account when reviewing applications for admission. Students with well-rounded experiences in high school tend to do better in college. Courses taken and extracurricular activities are considered. 

Other Universities

The less competitive schools will sometimes choose students with a "B" average (2.6 to 3.4) or even lower. Depending upon your intended major and the requirements for the various departments, courses taken in high school may play a key role in the selection process. The math and science departments look for a transcript with higher grades in those subjects rather than just the overall average, especially if you intend to major in one of these subjects.

Community and Technical Colleges

The majority of community and technical colleges are not as selective as four-year colleges, but usually require at least a 2.0 GPA, which is what students probably must have to graduate from high school. The two-year program can be a good place for some students to begin their college careers. Many community colleges offer remedial classes for students with low GPAs in math or English classes in high school.

Victoria Branch