Is a GPA of 90 out of 100 good enough for highly competitive colleges?

I'm currently rocking a GPA of 90 on a 100 scale, but I'm aiming at some highly selective colleges. Do you think this is competitive enough or do I need to push for more?

Your current GPA of 90 out of 100 translates roughly to a 3.7 on a 4.0 scale, which is quite good. However, for highly competitive colleges, the average GPA of accepted students often sits around the 3.9-4.0 range. These averages vary across institutions, so it's advisable to check the data for the specific schools you are interested in.

Keep in mind that colleges evaluate applicants on numerous factors beyond GPA. Course rigor, for example, is quite important. Highly selective colleges prefer to see students challenging themselves with the most demanding classes available at their high school, like honors, Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses.

Also, a compelling transcript is one that shows improvement over time. Even if your GPA is a little lower than the typical range for a given college, if you're showing an upward trend - that is, your grades are getting better each year - colleges can look upon that favorably.

Extracurricular activities also carry weight, particularly those where you can demonstrate leadership, commitment, and genuine interest. Top colleges aren't as interested in students who are "well-rounded"; they prefer students who have a clear passion or "spike."

Finally, remember that strong essays and recommendation letters can significantly boost your application. Your essays are your chance to showcase your personality, passion, and the unique perspective you would bring to the college's community.

In conclusion, while striving to increase your GPA can certainly strengthen your application, there are many factors at play in college admissions, and a slightly lower GPA can often be compensated for in other areas.