Is a GPA of 88 competitive?

So, my GPA is hovering around 88 and I'm a bit stressed about how this might look for colleges. Is this considered competitive or should I be worried? Thanks for any advice!

Your concerns are very valid, especially since college admissions can be quite stressful. An 88 GPA, which roughly translates to a 3.3 on a 4.0 scale, is deemed good and can be competitive for several colleges and universities, but it greatly depends on the selectivity of the schools you're aiming to apply to.

Highly selective colleges typically look for GPAs in the top 10% of the grading scale. In general, this means a 4.0 on a weighted scale (sometimes even higher if you're taking Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate classes). However, keep in mind that the GPA is just one factor in your college application. Test scores, your essay, letters of recommendation, and especially extracurricular activities can weigh just as heavily depending upon the college.

Colleges also consider the rigor of your coursework. They like to see that you've been challenging yourself academically with the courses available at your high school. If you're taking challenging classes and have a 3.3 GPA, that might be more impressive to a college than if you took standard classes and earned a 4.0.

Also, if there are extenuating circumstances that caused a dip in your grades, it's worth explaining these in the additional information section of your application. Colleges understand that we're all human and things happen.

In conclusion, while an 88 GPA might not be considered highly competitive for the top schools, it's definitely competitive for many good schools out there. Consider looking into colleges that range in selectivity to create a balanced college list. Good luck!