What are my chances with a 3.79 GPA?

Hello everyone! I've got a 3.79 GPA as a junior and was wondering how good that is? What are some target schools you'd recommend with this GPA? Any advice would be appreciated!

While a 3.79 GPA is generally considered good and is above average, it's hard to provide a comprehensive answer to your question without knowing more about your academic and extracurricular profile. Factors like your course rigor (i.e., how many AP or IB classes you've taken, which shows readiness for college-level work) and other elements like your standardized test scores would also significantly factor into your chances.

It's also important to consider your extracurricular activities. As mentioned earlier, quality is more important than quantity. Are you highly involved in a select few extracurriculars? Do you have a "spike", or specialization, in any of these activities?

To gain a more accurate understanding of which schools might be a match or a reach for you, you should identify and incorporate these other elements and consider their distribution across different college tiers. As a general guideline though, with a 3.79 GPA, colleges with an average GPA of acceptance around 3.5-4 could be considered target schools. Examples include University of Washington and Boston University.

Keep in mind that some schools (like the Cal State and UC schools) are "test-blind" and will not consider SAT or ACT scores, while some still remain 'test-optional' for the 2024-2025 application cycle. It's crucial to review the admission requirements for each school you're considering applying to ensure you meet their standards.

Also important is the subjective part of your application, like your college essay, where you can highlight distinct experiences and help admissions officers understand you better as an individual. It can also demonstrate your ability to articulate and communicate your thoughts effectively, which is a valued skill in college.

Remember to consider factors beyond just admissions rates—like the school culture, academic programs, location, etc.—when creating your college list. Make sure the colleges you're applying to align with your academic and career goals and are places where you can see yourself thriving.