UW Average GPA: How High Should I Aim?

Hi, I'm working really hard right now to keep my GPA up since I heard UW looks quite closely at it. Does anyone know what's the typical or average GPA of students accepted to UW? And how much leeway are they likely to give if my GPA isn't stellar, but the rest of my application is strong?

Being aware of admission criteria is crucial while applying, and it's commendable that you're doing some research. The University of Washington (UW) is quite a competitive school and they do tend to emphasize the student's GPA.

Based on research, the average unweighted high school GPA of the 50% middle range accepted into UW ranged between approximately 3.72 - 3.96 on a 4.0 scale in recent years. This indicates that half of the admitted students had a GPA within that range. Do keep in mind that it doesn't mean you cannot get accepted if you fall outside of this range, as 25% of admitted students had lower than 3.72 and another 25% had higher than 3.96.

But GPA is just a part of the overall picture. UW utilizes a holistic review process, meaning all aspects of your application (transcripts, courses taken, essays, and extracurricular activities) are taken into consideration.

If you feel that your GPA isn't as strong as you'd like it to be, it would be beneficial to show your strengths and dedication in other ways. For instance, stellar essays, impressive extracurricular activities, and strong letters of recommendation can all help to create a compelling application that stands out. Also, if you've taken a rigorous course schedule (including honors, AP, or IB courses), this can demonstrate your academic ambition and may counterbalance a slightly lower GPA.

Remember, averages are just that - averages. They can provide a guideline, but they are not a strict cut-off. It's not a guarantee of admission if you exceed them, just as falling below them doesn't immediately disqualify you. Best of luck!