WashU GPA Calculator

Does anyone know if there's a GPA calculator specific to WashU that takes into account their grading policies or requirements? I want to see where I stand before applying.

While there isn't a GPA calculator specific to Washington University in St. Louis (WashU), you can still calculate your GPA using a standard unweighted or weighted GPA calculator. Keep in mind that WashU, like many other colleges, practices a holistic admissions process, which means they consider various aspects of your profile, not just your GPA.

To calculate your unweighted GPA, simply add up the numeric values of each grade you received (A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0), then divide that sum by the total number of classes you took.

For weighted GPA, you'll need to take the additional points awarded for honors, AP, or IB courses into account. You'll likely add 0.5 points for honors courses and 1 point for AP or IB courses to the equivalent numeric value, then calculate the average as with the unweighted GPA. The specifics of weighted GPA can vary from school to school, so you may want to double check your school’s process with your counselor.

Admission statistics for WashU indicate that successful applicants typically have strong GPAs, but remember that GPA is only one factor in the admissions process. Your essays, extracurricular activities, recommendations, and test scores (if provided) can all influence your chances of admission.

For tips on how to strengthen your overall application at WashU, I’d check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle their school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-washu-essays/. After all, at selective schools like WashU, most applicants have strong academic credentials, and the essays are often just the thing that distinguishes one talented student from another.

It's a good idea to research the typical admitted student's profile to see where your GPA stands in comparison, but don't let the numbers discourage you – a perfect 4.0 doesn’t guarantee admission, while a slightly lower GPA can sometimes be compensated for with notable strengths in other areas. Focus on showcasing your strengths and experiences, and why you would be a great fit for the university.

If you have any specific questions about the role of GPA in WashU’s admissions process, such as if they make any adjustments (such as only factoring in core academic classes) that you should be aware of, you can always reach out to their admissions office directly. Admissions officers are there to answer your questions, after all!

Good luck with your college process!