What GPA is needed to get into Cornell?

Hey fellow high schoolers! So I've been dreaming about attending Cornell, but I'm a bit stressed about whether my GPA is high enough. What sort of GPA do they usually expect from applicants? Thanks for the help!

Hello there! It's awesome that you're interested in Cornell. While there isn't a strict minimum GPA, it's always good to know what the average GPA is for accepted students. Most students accepted into Cornell usually have a strong academic profile.

For context, the middle 50% GPA range for students admitted to Cornell is typically between 4.0 - 4.5 (on a weighted 4.0 scale). Keep in mind, this range reflects the middle 50%, meaning 25% of accepted students have a GPA below that range and 25% have a GPA above. To maximize your chances, aiming for a GPA within or above that range could be helpful.

However, Cornell and other selective colleges use a holistic admissions process to evaluate applicants. This means that your GPA is just one aspect of your application, and they'll also consider factors like your test scores (Cornell is test-optional for the 2024-2025 application cycle), extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.

If you feel that your GPA is not as strong as it could be, try to showcase your strengths and passions in other areas of your application. Make sure to put effort into your essays and build a solid list of extracurricular activities that align with your interests and future goals.

Best of luck with your college applications! Keep working hard, and focus on all aspects of your application to differentiate yourself and increase your chances of getting into your dream school.