Wondering which schools are within reach with a 3.5 GPA? Our team curated list of the best schools that value holistic admissions and consider more than just grades. Explore institutions that appreciate your overall achievements, extracurricular involvement, and unique qualities. We provide insights into the admissions criteria, highlighting schools that align with your academic profile and aspirations. Discover the opportunities that await you and make an informed decision about the best schools to apply to with your 3.5 GPA.
Is a 3.5 GPA Good?
The average GPA of high school students in the U.S. is 3.0, but the average GPA students need to get into college, while it varies, is about 3.15. Many universities and colleges do not maintain a “GPA cutoff,” but sometimes have a “recommended GPA” for students to maintain to remain competitive with their applications.
For example, the University of Pennsylvania has a recommended GPA of 3.86, Columbia recommends a 4.14 GPA, and Morehouse College recommends a GPA of 3.24. The average GPAs of students admitted to both Yale and Harvard are quite a bit above 4.0.
So the answer to the question “Is a 3.5 GPA good?” depends on where you plan to apply to college and the GPAs of competing applicants.
Furthermore, it’s difficult to answer that question because GPA isn’t standardized. Some schools use a different scale than others. GPA scores can be weighted or not, and some courses weigh more than others in different schools. It’s beneficial to determine the strength of your GPA by considering three factors:
- The rigor (difficulty level) of your classes
- The average GPAs of students admitted to the college you want to go to
- How your GPA compares to others at your school
How you stack up against your high school classmates can best be determined by class rank, which many colleges consider a better indicator of academic strength than GPA. It’s also why so many colleges consider the difficulty level of your classes to be extremely important.
What Colleges Accept a 3.5 GPA for Admissions?
Most colleges maintain an average freshman class GPA that is relatively the same from year to year, making it a bit easier to understand which ones may be most “in range” for students with similar GPAs. Some of the best colleges in the nation that have incoming freshman GPAs of about 3.5 are:
| Name | Location | Average GPA | Acceptance Rate | Average ACT Composite | Average SAT Composite | Type | Level | Average Net Price | Number of Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Tempe, AZ | 3.6 | 88% | 25 | 1230 | Public | 4 Year | $14,653 | 77881 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 3.5 | 87% | 25 | 1228 | Public | 4 Year | $15,620 | 48274 |
| University of Houston | Houston, TX | 3.5 | 66% | 24 | 1219 | Public | 4 Year | $14,480 | 47031 |
| Central Michigan University | Mount Pleasant, MI | 3.5 | 77% | 22 | 1106 | Public | 4 Year | $15,758 | 15424 |
| Temple University | Philadelphia, PA | 3.5 | 71% | 27 | 1206 | Public | 4 Year | $23,254 | 37236 |
| Texas State University | San Marcos, TX | 3.4 | 70% | 22 | 1102 | Public | 4 Year | $13,750 | 37864 |
| Oregon State University | Corvallis, OR | 3.6 | 89% | 24 | 1202 | Public | 4 Year | $21,444 | 33193 |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | 3.6 | 100% | 23 | 1153 | Public | 4 Year | $17,750 | 36973 |
| Liberty University | Lynchburg, VA | 3.6 | 99% | 26 | 1171 | Private | 4 Year | $28,762 | 94709 |
| University of Kentucky | Lexington, KY | 3.6 | 94% | 27 | 1227 | Public | 4 Year | $19,831 | 30390 |
| The University of Texas at SA | San Antonio, TX | 3.4 | 90% | 21 | 1124 | Public | 4 Year | $18,592 | 34734 |
| Drexel University | Philadelphia, PA | 3.6 | 83% | 29 | 1295 | Private | 4 Year | $39,463 | 23216 |
| University of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | 3.6 | 71% | 28 | 1236 | Private | 4 Year | $42,801 | 10034 |
| West Virginia University | Morgantown, WV | 3.5 | 84% | 24 | 1150 | Public | 4 Year | $12,181 | 26768 |
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | 3.6 | 85% | 27 | 1240 | Public | 4 Year | $24,028 | 30990 |
| University of Oregon | Eugene, OR | 3.6 | 83% | 25 | 1180 | Public | 4 Year | $16,080 | 22180 |
| Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | 3.8 | 37% | 28 | 1290 | Public | 4 Year | $12,568 | 43234 |
| University of Kansas | Lawrence, KS | 3.6 | 93% | 25 | 1190 | Public | 4 Year | $18,415 | 27625 |
| University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA | 3.6 | 84% | 25 | 1190 | Public | 4 Year | $18,753 | 31240 |
| University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 3.6 | 80% | 27 | 1181 | Public | 4 Year | $20,623 | 38763 |
| University of Missouri | Columbia, MO | 3.5 | 78% | 24 | 1150 | Public | 4 Year | $18,480 | 30014 |
| University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati, OH | 3.5 | 73% | 25 | 1170 | Public | 4 Year | $20,085 | 37204 |
| Indiana University Bloomington | Bloomington, IN | 3.7 | 78% | 26 | 1200 | Public | 4 Year | $13,101 | 42991 |
| University of Oklahoma | Norman, OK | 3.5 | 80% | 26 | 1160 | Public | 4 Year | $21,158 | 28068 |
| University of South Carolina | Columbia, SC | 3.7 | 68% | 27 | 1200 | Public | 4 Year | $21,158 | 35000 |
| University of Tennessee | Knoxville, TN | 3.7 | 78% | 27 | 1230 | Public | 4 Year | $21,158 | 28600 |
| University of Vermont | Burlington, VT | 3.7 | 67% | 28 | 1260 | Public | 4 Year | $20,235 | 13791 |
| University of Massachusetts | Amherst, MA | 3.7 | 64% | 28 | 1280 | Public | 4 Year | $22,834 | 30175 |
| University of Mississippi | University, MS | 3.5 | 88% | 24 | 1150 | Public | 4 Year | $15,124 | 22515 |
| University of Utah | Salt Lake City, UT | 3.5 | 62% | 24 | 1160 | Public | 4 Year | $13,700 | 32104 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 3.6 | 77% | 26 | 1210 | Public | 4 Year | $15,746 | 27858 |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Lincoln, NE | 3.5 | 79% | 25 | 1150 | Public | 4 Year | $17,315 | 25398 |
| University of Louisville | Louisville, KY | 3.5 | 73% | 25 | 1140 | Public | 4 Year | $18,928 | 22000 |
| San Diego State University | San Diego, CA | 3.7 | 35% | 28 | 1240 | Public | 4 Year | $15,896 | 35430 |
| Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI | 3.6 | 78% | 26 | 1200 | Public | 4 Year | $18,576 | 49697 |
| University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | 3.6 | 44% | 26 | 1200 | Public | 4 Year | $11,617 | 68442 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | 3.6 | 78% | 27 | 1250 | Public | 4 Year | $21,298 | 37328 |
| University of Connecticut | Storrs, CT | 3.7 | 48% | 29 | 1290 | Public | 4 Year | $20,039 | 28916 |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 3.5 | 92% | 25 | 1150 | Public | 4 Year | $18,616 | 22080 |
| Louisiana State University | Baton Rouge, LA | 3.4 | 74% | 25 | 1160 | Public | 4 Year | $17,437 | 31672 |
| Colorado State University | Fort Collins, CO | 3.6 | 84% | 25 | 1160 | Public | 4 Year | $17,914 | 33785 |
| University of Nevada, Reno | Reno, NV | 3.4 | 88% | 23 | 1120 | Public | 4 Year | $16,501 | 20620 |
| University of Rhode Island | Kingston, RI | 3.5 | 73% | 24 | 1150 | Public | 4 Year | $19,727 | 16961 |
| Illinois State University | Normal, IL | 3.4 | 89% | 23 | 1130 | Public | 4 Year | $20,933 | 20134 |
| University of North Texas | Denton, TX | 3.5 | 74% | 23 | 1130 | Public | 4 Year | $12,600 | 39336 |
| University of Wyoming | Laramie, WY | 3.4 | 94% | 24 | 1140 | Public | 4 Year | $12,760 | 12138 |
| University of Montana | Missoula, MT | 3.4 | 92% | 22 | 1110 | Public | 4 Year | $14,902 | 10235 |
| East Carolina University | Greenville, NC | 3.5 | 82% | 23 | 1120 | Public | 4 Year | $14,957 | 29039 |
| University of Hawaii at Manoa | Honolulu, HI | 3.5 | 58% | 24 | 1150 | Public | 4 Year | $16,957 | 17910 |
| Washington State University | Pullman, WA | 3.4 | 80% | 23 | 1130 | Public | 4 Year | $17,297 | 31028 |
| University of Idaho | Moscow, ID | 3.4 | 77% | 23 | 1120 | Public | 4 Year | $14,517 | 11188 |
| New Mexico State University | Las Cruces, NM | 3.4 | 63% | 21 | 1090 | Public | 4 Year | $11,502 | 14290 |
| Kent State University | Kent, OH | 3.4 | 88% | 23 | 1110 | Public | 4 Year | $18,138 | 28099 |
| Ball State University | Muncie, IN | 3.4 | 77% | 23 | 1110 | Public | 4 Year | $13,642 | 22000 |
| Northern Arizona University | Flagstaff, AZ | 3.5 | 85% | 23 | 1110 | Public | 4 Year | $15,126 | 29569 |
| Western Michigan University | Kalamazoo, MI | 3.4 | 82% | 22 | 1090 | Public | 4 Year | $16,366 | 19925 |
| Wichita State University | Wichita, KS | 3.4 | 92% | 23 | 1110 | Public | 4 Year | $14,256 | 15442 |
| University of Maine | Orono, ME | 3.4 | 90% | 23 | 1120 | Public | 4 Year | $16,824 | 11633 |
| Cleveland State University | Cleveland, OH | 3.4 | 88% | 22 | 1080 | Public | 4 Year | $16,822 | 16801 |
| University of South Dakota | Vermillion, SD | 3.4 | 86% | 23 | 1100 | Public | 4 Year | $16,502 | 10166 |
| Indiana State University | Terre Haute, IN | 3.4 | 89% | 21 | 1070 | Public | 4 Year | $14,227 | 12526 |
| South Dakota State University | Brookings, SD | 3.4 | 88% | 22 | 1080 | Public | 4 Year | $16,500 | 11945 |
| Sam Houston State University | Huntsville, TX | 3.5 | 83% | 22 | 1090 | Public | 4 Year | $13,263 | 21037 |
| Texas Tech University | Lubbock, TX | 3.5 | 70% | 25 | 1160 | Public | 4 Year | $15,820 | 38400 |
| University of Toledo | Toledo, OH | 3.4 | 93% | 23 | 1110 | Public | 4 Year | $16,080 | 19718 |
| Utah State University | Logan, UT | 3.4 | 89% | 23 | 1110 | Public | 4 Year | $13,462 | 27491 |
While this isn’t a complete list, it will give you an idea of the wide range of diverse colleges and universities with incoming students who have GPAs that average 3.5. You’ll find large universities, small colleges, public institutions, and private schools on the list. A 3.5 GPA will still open doors to many universities, so your options are wide.
How Far Can a 3.5 GPA Get You?
Your grade point average, or GPA, is a number that represents your average grades for your entire span of combined classes. There are generally GPAs for your entire quarter, trimester, or semester and a cumulative GPA score, which includes your averages of grades for every class you’ve taken in high school.
The GPA 3.5 equivalent is between an A- and a B+ if you translate the GPA into letter grades A-F. It’s considered to be a fairly strong average that can help strengthen your college application. However, depending on the colleges you plan on applying to, it may not be quite high enough.
You might be competing against students who want to attend the same college as you who have higher GPAs. But while grade point average is a key factor that is considered “very important” in many colleges’ admissions processes, it is by no means the only one!
So what is a 3.5 GPA good for, in terms of college choice? It depends on who you ask.
What Factors Determine College Admissions?
If you have a GPA of 3.5 or equivalent and hope to get into some of the country’s most elite colleges, other parts of your application may shine bright enough to make up for the little bit that’s lacking in the GPA department. Therefore, you shouldn’t automatically count yourself out of the running of any school solely based on your GPA.
When colleges look at a wide variety of factors to make admissions decisions instead of focusing on just one or two, they are said to use a holistic admissions process. Some of the other factors that can be considered in a holistic admissions process include:
- Class rank
- The rigor of your high school courses
- Your extracurricular activities
- Demonstrated interest in the school
- Whether you’re a first-generation student
- How you answer the application essays
- Where you live
- Alumni interviews
- Whether you’re a legacy student
- Your SAT or ACT scores
- Volunteer work
- Work experience
A holistic review process means that no single factor guarantees admission — several factors influence the decision. Just how much weight is given to each factor varies considerably depending on the individual school.
For example, while some colleges consider class rank extremely important and essay answers unimportant, others will value SAT and ACT scores above all other factors.
Video: College Admissions: Inside the Decision Room
How Do Colleges Evaluate Grade Point Averages for Applicants?
Not every student has the same opportunities as others, so colleges try to critique students according to what was available to them during high school. This is known as evaluating applicants within context.
Colleges know that different high schools use different means of calculating GPAs, so sometimes, they will recalculate those GPAs using systems of their own.
Some colleges put more weight on AP, IB, and honors classes, and others consider only core classes as part of their GPAs. Some high schools are notorious for grade deflation or inflation, and colleges also consider this.
Even though most colleges take a holistic approach to admissions, some colleges receive so many applications each term that they use academic statistics to screen out applicants with GPAs below a certain level. That level varies depending on the individual college.
Regardless of your GPA, know that some colleges will prefer applicants with stronger leadership histories or strong work ethics, even if their GPAs are lower than many other applicants. This is especially true for students from historically underrepresented groups or lower-than-average socioeconomic backgrounds.
Do You Need to Improve Your GPA?
It’s easier to achieve your academic goals if you begin high school with a high GPA and simply need to maintain it. On the other hand, it is significantly more challenging if you begin with a low GPA and later, must try to bring it up. However, bringing it up is certainly not impossible!
Remember That Your Weighted GPA Can Be Higher than You Think
A weighted GPA awards extra points toward grade point averages for International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and some other types of classes. This is why some students can have a 4.3 GPA on a 4.0 scale — they’ve taken these rigorous courses and were awarded bonus points.
Don’t panic about your GPA before you understand how you fare; some colleges typically use an unweighted GPA when they are considering admission applicants, but not all do. If you are taking rigorous courses, those colleges will take them into account.
Take Classes That Complement Your Talents, Passions, and Strengths
The rigor of your classes is so important in the college admissions determination process that it’s better to challenge yourself in strong areas than go too far in weaker ones.
In other words, if you excel in math but struggle with foreign languages, take pre-calculus and calculus but don’t stress out over taking the hardest available language courses.
A little-known fact is that most schools appreciate specialization. For decades, admissions counselors emphasized the importance of being a “well-rounded” student—to the point that students were stressing themselves out trying to excel in everything and participate in every activity possible. This is not the way to go.
Colleges appreciate the fact that not every person excels at every single thing, so you must play up the things you’re good at.
What If There’s Not Enough Time to Improve Your GPA?
If you’re a senior in high school and don’t have several semesters left to boost your GPA, don’t panic. Spend a good deal of time perusing the websites of colleges you are most interested in attending and find out how much emphasis they place on GPA. It may not be as much as you think.
If extenuating circumstances played a role in your high school grades, explaining those circumstances in the college application would be advantageous. For example, most colleges want to know if a parent was ill and you had to step in and help with the household or get a job to help financially.
Your 3.5 GPA Matters
Remember that GPA means different things to different colleges; some consider it a very important indicator of the type of student you are while others do not. Some, like Caltech, do require a high GPA to be considered for admissions, but most don’t.
Colleges also pay attention to whether you’ve challenged yourself and how your GPA fares compared to your classmates. If you need more information about how GPA impacts your chances for college, admissions consultants can help.
You Can Still Succeed! Here’s How
1. Set Clear Goals:
Start by setting clear and realistic goals for yourself. Define what success means to you and establish specific targets for each semester or academic year. Having a clear vision of what you want to achieve will motivate and guide you in your studies.
2. Prioritize Time Management:
Effective time management is crucial for success with a 3.5 GPA. Create a schedule or use a planner to organize your study time, assignments, and extracurricular activities. Set aside dedicated blocks of time for studying and avoid procrastination. Break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks to make progress consistently.
3. Be Engaged in Class:
Actively participate in class by asking questions, contributing to discussions, and taking thorough notes. Engaging with the material and your professors will enhance your understanding and retention of the subject matter. Actively listening and participating also demonstrate your commitment to academic success.
4. Develop Effective Study Habits:
Develop effective study habits that work best for you. Experiment with different techniques such as summarizing information, creating flashcards, or teaching the material to someone else. Find a study environment that suits your needs and minimizes distractions. Regular review and practice will reinforce your knowledge and improve your performance in exams and assignments.
5. Seek Help When Needed:
Don’t hesitate to seek help when you encounter challenges. Reach out to your professors, teaching assistants, or classmates for clarification or additional guidance. Utilize academic resources such as tutoring services, writing centers, or study groups.
Seeking help early can prevent difficulties from escalating and enable you to stay on track with your GPA goals.
6. Take Care of Your Well-being:
Your physical and mental well-being play a significant role in academic success. Get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and engage in regular exercise to maintain optimal health. Take breaks and engage in activities you enjoy to reduce stress and recharge your mind. Prioritizing self-care will enhance your focus, concentration, and overall academic performance.
7. Develop Effective Study Groups:
Study groups can be a powerful tool for success. Collaborate with classmates who are equally committed to academic excellence and organize study sessions together. Discussing concepts, explaining ideas to one another, and exchanging study materials can deepen your understanding of the subject matter and provide different perspectives.
8. Stay Motivated and Persistent:
Maintaining motivation and persistence is crucial in achieving and maintaining a 3.5 GPA. Stay focused on your goals, remind yourself of your achievements, and celebrate your successes along the way. Surround yourself with a supportive network of family, friends, and mentors who can provide encouragement and guidance when needed.
9. Embrace a Growth Mindset:
Adopt a growth mindset, understanding that intelligence and abilities can be developed through dedication and effort. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Learn from setbacks and view them as stepping stones to future success. Cultivate a positive attitude toward learning and embrace the journey of continuous improvement.
10. Find Balance:
Strive for a healthy balance between academic pursuits and personal interests. Engage in extracurricular activities, pursue hobbies, and spend time with friends and family. Finding this balance will help you avoid burnout and maintain a positive outlook on your academic journey.
In conclusion, succeeding with a 3.5 GPA requires setting clear goals, managing your time effectively, actively participating in class, developing effective study habits, seeking help when needed, taking care
You Can Still Get Accepted with a 3.5 GPA
Let’s explore how you can still gain admission to excellent colleges with a 3.5 GPA. Many reputable institutions accept students with a 3.5 GPA and value other aspects of your application. Read on to discover how you can enhance your chances of getting into college with a 3.5 GPA.
1. Broaden Your College Search:
While some highly selective colleges may have stringent GPA requirements, many colleges and universities consider a holistic approach to admissions. They evaluate your application based on various factors, including extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, essays, and standardized test scores. Broaden your college search and consider institutions that prioritize a well-rounded applicant profile.
If you’re struggling to find your options, you can try finding an advisor. Explore how to find the best college advisor for you.
2. Highlight Other Achievements:
A 3.5 GPA is an accomplishment in itself, but admissions committees also value other achievements and attributes. Showcase your involvement in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, community service, internships, or any notable accomplishments. Demonstrating a well-rounded profile can compensate for a slightly lower GPA and make you a desirable candidate.
3. Focus on Standardized Tests:
Standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT can be a significant factor in the college admissions process. SAT and ACT preparation takes time. Dedicate time to prepare for these exams and aim for strong scores. Excelling in standardized tests can demonstrate your academic potential and balance out a slightly lower GPA. Research colleges that place less emphasis on GPA and more on standardized test scores during their admissions process.
4. Write a Compelling Personal Statement:
Your personal statement is an opportunity to showcase your unique experiences, personal growth, and passion for learning. Use this essay to tell your story, highlight your strengths, and explain any circumstances that may have affected your GPA. Craft a compelling narrative that resonates with admissions officers and sets you apart from other applicants.
5. Seek Strong Letters of Recommendation:
Letters of recommendation provide insights into your character, work ethic, and potential for success in college. Choose teachers, mentors, or supervisors who know you well and can speak to your abilities and potential. A strong recommendation letter can offer a personal touch to your application and reinforce your qualifications.
6. Consider Community College or Transfer Options:
If you’re concerned about gaining admission to a four-year college with a 3.5 GPA, consider starting at a community college. Community colleges often have open admissions policies, making it easier to get accepted. You can then transfer to a four-year institution after completing your associate degree with a strong academic record. This path allows you to save money, explore different academic interests, and demonstrate your abilities before transferring.
7. Research Colleges that Accept a 3.5 GPA:
Many colleges and universities accept students with a 3.5 GPA. Research institutions that have more flexible admission requirements and consider factors beyond GPA. Look for colleges that emphasize a holistic admissions approach and evaluate applicants based on their overall profile.
Remember, the college admissions process is multifaceted, and a 3.5 GPA does not define your potential for success. Focus on highlighting your strengths, pursuing meaningful extracurricular activities, and showcasing your passion for learning. By presenting a well-rounded application, excelling in standardized tests, and researching colleges that accept a 3.5 GPA, you can enhance your chances of getting into an excellent college that aligns with your academic and personal goals.
Expert advice: College Application Help: 15 Tips to Help You Succeed
FAQs
Is a 3.5 GPA Good In College?
A 3.5 GPA in college is generally considered good in most universities. It reflects a strong academic performance and demonstrates consistent effort and dedication to studies. While what a "good" GPA means can vary slightly between institutions and fields of study, a GPA of 3.5 is typically seen as indicative of academic success and can be a positive factor in future career prospects.
Is A 3.5 Weighted GPA Good?
A 3.5 weighted GPA is generally considered good, especially if the weighting is due to taking honors, AP, IB, or other advanced-level courses. Weighted GPAs take into account the difficulty of the courses a student has taken, giving extra points for honors or advanced classes. This means a 3.5 weighted GPA indicates not only a solid academic performance but also a willingness to challenge oneself with more rigorous coursework
What Schools Can You Get Into With A 3.5 Gpa?
Universities where a 3.5 GPA can make you a competitive applicant include many moderately selective public and private institutions, state universities, liberal arts colleges, some flagship universities, and certain STEM and honors programs. Specific examples might include Ohio State University, University of Florida, University of Texas at Austin, University of California schools, Boston University, University of Washington, and George Washington University, among others.
Is a 3.5 GPA Bad for Admission in a Good College?
A 3.5 GPA is generally not considered bad for admission to a good college. It's above average and demonstrates solid academic performance. However, whether a 3.5 GPA is competitive depends on the specific college or university you are applying to, as well as the competitiveness of the applicant pool for that institution.
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