What's a Solid GPA for UVA?

I'm a HS junior with UVA in my sights. I'm doing well but worried if my GPA will fit the bill. Can someone break down what GPA I should be aiming for to get into UVA?

To be a competitive applicant for the University of Virginia (UVA), your GPA should ideally be in the upper range for accepted students. According to the latest available data, the average high school GPA of UVA's incoming freshmen is about 4.32 on a weighted scale.

That said, UVA is a highly selective school that practices a holistic review process. This means that while grades and coursework are important, there are also numerous other factors they consider when evaluating applications. These include rigor of high school curriculum, standardized test scores (although they are test-optional for the 2024-2025 application cycle), essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities. UVA values students who have challenged themselves by taking AP, IB, or dual-enrollment classes.

Let's be clear: maintaining a high GPA is certainly crucial for becoming a top applicant. Still, it's also essential to balance this academic excellence with meaningful extracurricular involvement - they look for prospective students with a "spike," or a high level of achievement in a specific area.

Moreover, even if your GPA is slightly below this average, don’t let it deter you from applying. Institutions like UVA look beyond GPA to consider the total applicant. Make sure that other aspects of your application - such as your essay and extracurriculars - are strong and show off your individuality and talents. For example, writing an insightful and personal college essay can do a lot to showcase your maturity and dedication.

Remember, while a strong GPA is a key component of your application, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. UVA wants to admit students who will contribute meaningfully to their campus community in a myriad of ways, so strive to present a well-rounded, compelling application.