Hey! I really want to apply to Carleton College, but I'm not sure how competitive my GPA is. What's the average GPA of accepted students? Is it super hard to get in?
Carleton College is a highly selective liberal arts college, with an acceptance rate of around 16%. As for the average GPA, while Carleton does not officially publish the average GPA of enrolled students, accepted students typically have a GPA that falls within the range of 3.9 to 4.01 (weighted) or near the top of their class. Keep in mind that Carleton uses a holistic review process to evaluate applicants, which means they'll consider a range of factors beyond your GPA, such as your transcripts showing course rigor, your letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, essays, and standardized test scores (if submitted).
To enhance your chances of being admitted, focus on having strong essays, obtaining solid recommendation letters, and showcasing your unique extracurricular achievements and interests. If you feel your GPA is not as strong as it could be, excelling in these other areas can help offset any potential concerns. Remember that admissions will also consider any extenuating circumstances that may have impacted your academic performance and will look for trends - such as improvement over time.
Good luck with your application to Carleton College!
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