So you got your report card. Your GPA is 3.8 and you’re not sure what exactly that means. Let’s break it down.
- A3.8 GPA, or Grade Point Average, is equivalent to an A- letter gradeon a 4.0 GPA scale.
- This means is equivalent to a 90-92%.
- The national average GPA is 3.0 which means a 3.8 is far above average. Because a 3.8 is already so high it can be hard to raise, but with hard work and dedication it is possible!
Is a 3.8 GPA good?
High School Students:
A 3.8 GPA will impress any undergraduate admissions officer and shows that you are ready for the intensity of a college course load! Always be sure to round out your college resume with good standardized test scores and an array of extra curricular activities to support your high GPA.
College Students:
A 3.8 GPA will stand out in applications to any graduate program. It shows you have truly mastered your area of study and that you have a wide array of options including further education before joining the workforce.
Are you a student with a 3.8 GPA and confused if your grade is acceptable and want to know more about colleges that you can be admitted with the 3.8 GPA? Follow this guide carefully to identify the next steps if you have earned your 3.8 GPA.
Freshman:
If you are a freshman, your GPA tends to change before your application is sent to the college but having a 3.8 GPA is a commendable feat. It is a sign that you are performing excellent and acquired high grades in most of your classes, and the next few years could see you perform as a better student and make a good impression on colleges with your academic development. As a freshman, if you can retain or go beyond the 3.8 GPA, you will be admitted by various selective schools. You might not have made up your mind about your college choice for now, but you can make use of our search tool in the next section to check the colleges that catch your fantasy and also view how your present GPA can determine your admission chances.
Sophom*ore:
Having passed through the first two years of high school with a robust GPA is an exceptional achievement. It is likely for your GPA to change slightly before you find admission to the college in your senior year but there will be no much difference if you continue to study at the same pace. Most of the best schools will consider you if you have a 3.8 GPA and this will offer you a range of choices when you want to select the college you want to study in. You can also view your admission chances at any school of your choice with our search tool in the next category.
Junior:
With a 3.8 GPA, you have succeeded in getting to the college application time. However, your GPA will not be changed at this point, and you should be applying to colleges with a GPA close to the value of a 3.8. It indicates that you would be counting on your eligibility to be admitted by various selective colleges. If you have some schools in mind that you will like to apply, you can search for them in the next segment and discover the prospects of your chances.
Senior:
This is your senior year, and there are chances that you have applied to various schools with your GPA. The process of getting admitted into schools should not be a problem for you if you have maintained a strong GPA throughout your high school except in rare cases where some schools are applying stringent measures. If you want to know more about your chances of admissions where you want to submit your application or schools that have already received your application, you can search for it in the next segment and see your chances of securing the admission.
How can I raise my 3.8 GPA?
Raising a 3.8 GPA is very challenging – so find areas where you can improve and focus your energy on perfecting those subjects.
- Stay Ahead of the Game: Keep organized so you can prepare for assignments, projects, tests, and quizzes well in advance.
- Keep Exceptional Study Habits: Establish a routine for studying and pick dedicated study time every day.
- Go Above and Beyond: Ask your professors/teachers for extra work to build deep understanding and maybe even earn some extra credit!
3.8 GPA – Frequently asked questions
What does a 3.8 GPA signify?
A 3.8 GPA demonstrates high academic achievement, indicating that you have consistently earned ‘A’ and ‘A-‘ grades across most of your courses. It reflects a strong dedication to your studies and a high level of academic success.
How close is a 3.8 GPA to perfect?
A 3.8 GPA is quite close to a perfect 4.0, showing that you have attained high marks in your coursework. It typically means you’ve received mostly ‘A’s with a small mix of ‘A-‘ or possibly ‘B+’ grades.
Can I improve from a 3.8 to a 4.0 GPA?
Yes, improving from a 3.8 to a 4.0 GPA is possible with careful planning and effort. Achieving higher grades in your remaining courses or retaking classes where you’ve earned lower grades, if permissible, can help raise your GPA.
Is a 3.8 GPA competitive for top universities?
Absolutely, a 3.8 GPA is competitive for admissions to top universities. It indicates strong academic performance, though admissions also consider other factors like leadership qualities, extracurricular activities, and personal statements.
Will a 3.8 GPA qualify for scholarships?
Yes, a 3.8 GPA makes you eligible for many scholarships, particularly those focusing on academic merit. It signals to scholarship committees your commitment and achievement in your academic pursuits.
How does a 3.8 GPA impact job prospects after graduation?
A 3.8 GPA positively impacts your job prospects, showcasing to employers your ability to perform well academically. Alongside your GPA, relevant work experience, internships, and skills are also important to employers.
Can I round up my 3.8 GPA to 4.0 on my resume or applications?
It is generally not advisable to round up a 3.8 GPA to 4.0 on resumes or applications. Being transparent and accurate with your GPA is important to maintain credibility.
How is a 3.8 GPA calculated?
A 3.8 GPA is the result of averaging the grade points for all your classes, indicating a high level of achievement with grades mostly in the ‘A’ range.
Does a 3.8 GPA stand out in graduate school applications?
Yes, a 3.8 GPA stands out in graduate school applications as evidence of your academic abilities. To bolster your application, also focus on research experiences, relevant work, and a compelling narrative in your essays and interviews.
What advice do you have for maintaining or achieving a 3.8 GPA?
To maintain or achieve a 3.8 GPA, prioritize your studies, manage your time effectively, seek help when needed, and engage actively with your learning. Balancing coursework with self-care practices is also key to sustaining high academic performance.
Your Admission Chances With a 3.8 GPA
Without mincing words, knowing the chances of your admission is a million dollar question that has been on the mind of every student searching for admission. Which colleges will offer you admission with a 3.8 GPA? Do you have any chances of securing admission at those schools selected by you?
These questions have helped us to create a custom admissions calculator that handles the calculations of your prospects of admission depending on three crucial factors:
- The acceptance rate of the school
- The GPA of the applicant
- Your ACT/SAT score
List of Colleges accepting average GPA of 3.8 or less
Search Filters
| School | State | SAT 25 | SAT 75 | ACT 25 | ACT 75 | Avg GPA | Accept % |
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