Hey everyone! I'm a junior in high school and I've always been interested in applying to Princeton University. I'm curious about what their GPA requirements usually are. Do they look at unweighted or weighted GPAs? Thanks in advance!
Hello! Princeton University, like most selective institutions, doesn't have a strict GPA requirement. However, it's essential to have a competitive academic profile to help you stand out in the applicant pool. Since Princeton is an elite school, the vast majority of applicants have impressive GPAs. The average unweighted GPA of students admitted is around 3.95, showing that most admits have earned almost straight A's throughout high school.
Princeton considers both unweighted and weighted GPAs during the admissions process. They primarily focus on your unweighted GPA to gauge your academic performance without the influence of different weighting systems used by various high schools. Nevertheless, your weighted GPA helps them understand the rigor of your course load. The admissions officers will take into account the AP, IB, and Honors classes you have taken and the grades you've earned in those classes.
Keep in mind that Princeton practices a holistic review process, meaning that your GPA is just one of several factors under consideration. In addition to considering test scores (for non-test-optional application cycles), recommendations, extracurricular activities, and essays, the admissions officers will also assess your performance in the context of your high school and the opportunities available to you.
It's great that you're already thinking about your GPA, so make sure to focus on your academic performance and take challenging courses, when possible. Best of luck!
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