Hi guys, this may seem a bit early since I’m still in high school, but I was wondering what the average GPA in college is. It would good to have an idea of the standards I would need to meet or exceed once in college.
The average college GPA varies by institution and major, but generally, the average GPA across U.S. colleges hovers around 3.0 to 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, according to National Survey of Student Engagement. Some universities, particularly in competitive programs or schools, might have a slightly higher average.
It is also worth noting that most colleges use a plus/minus scale for grading. This means that an A-, A, and A+ each correspond to different GPA points such as a 3.7, 4.0, and 4.3, respectively, which can impact the average GPA at the school.
Moreover, the rigor of grading can fluctuate significantly among various fields of study. Some majors, especially STEM fields, are notorious for rigorous grading and thus may have a lower average GPA as compared to other disciplines.
It would be beneficial for you to set your college GPA goal around 3.5 or higher, as it is considered competitive for internships, graduate school, and more. However, remember that your GPA is not the only portion of your academic profile that matters. Your college experience is also an opportunity to immerse yourself in research or extracurricular activities that complement your academic pursuits. These experiences can be just as, if not more, valuable than a high GPA depending on your career goals.
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