3.2 GPA Colleges: Browse Schools That Accept a 3.2 GPA
Grade point average (GPA) is a measurement of academic performance through a cumulative average of all grades. A 3.2 GPA represents a B average and is a few tenths from a B+.
Is a 3.2 GPA Good?
Because a 3.2 GPA reflects final grades of mostly B and B+, a percentile range between 83% and 86%, and it also demonstrates consistently good performance in the classroom. Because of this, a 3.2 GPA means that you’ll have numerous college options and your application will be competitive for admission at a sizable number of schools.
What Colleges Can I Get Into With a 3.2 GPA?
A 3.2 GPA is a competitive academic record for a number of colleges and universities and we’ve assembled a representative list below. Be aware that this GPA won’t automatically qualify for admission but all of these schools have historically accepted students with GPAs in the 3.2-3.3 area.
If you’re in the midst of your freshman or sophomore year, keep doing the work needed to maintain a 3.2 GPA. This GPA level already exceeds the 3.0 competitive benchmark for a large number of colleges, so it’s important to maintain the study habits that earned that number in the first place. You also have time to set an ambitious goal in the upper end of the 3.0 range if there are any Ivy League institutions on your college dream list. Whatever your goal may be following high school graduation, make it a priority to join after school clubs, participate in a sport, or find a community service project to take part in. Not only will this help you stand out as a well-rounded candidate for the college application process, but it could also lead to finding something you’re passionate about!
For juniors, there’s an added stressor: standardized testing. While it’s conceivable to improve a 3.2 GPA to a 3.5 before graduation, this may be a difficult year to try and accomplish the task. Remember that this is also when you need to start devoting study time to prepare for the ACT or SAT. Because most colleges weigh GPA and standardized test results fairly equally, ignoring one in order to concentrate on the other isn’t a good option. Pick up a book of practice tests and time yourself taking the exam to get used to the process for test day.
As for seniors, you’re in a great spot already. The fact of the matter is, it would require straight As, a 4.0 semester GPA, to raise a cumulative 3.2 GPA by 1 tenth of a point to a 3.3. A 3.3 doesn’t significantly change competitiveness, to be blunt, so focusing on the total package, your applications as a whole, is likely the best plan of attack at this point. If your SAT or ACT score isn’t exactly where you’d like it to be, sign up to retake the exam and rededicate study time toward improving that result. This is also a good time to visit your school’s college counselor and ask for their feedback on your college application, in particular, the essay portion. With a 3.2 GPA, a good essay and standardized test score will help ensure that you’re in a competitive position for admission at a wide variety of schools.
What Are Colleges Looking at Other Than a 3.2 High School GPA?
Colleges look at students holistically, not just as a single number. A 3.2 GPA will be bolstered by solid standardized test scores, participation outside of the classroom, and more. Make sure to highlight the following in your college application:
- SAT Scores / ACT Scores
- Extracurricular/Afterschool activities
- Sports
- Application Essays
- Volunteer Work / Community Service
- Jobs / Internships / Special Projects
- FAFSA
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 3.2 GPA in high school considered good?
Earning a 3.2 GPA, two-tenths above the national average GPA, is generally considered a good GPA. It shows academic proficiency and consistency, as well as makes you eligible to apply to a high number of colleges.
What colleges can I get into with a 3.2 GPA?
You’re eligible to apply to a wide variety of colleges, and are a good candidate for a good chunk of them. To improve acceptance into more competitive institutions, you would need a GPA closer to a 3.5, but your college eligible is good! You can include colleges such as the California State University-Fresno, Suffolk University, and the University of West Georgia among your target schools — along with many more!
What percentile is a 3.2 GPA?
A 3.2 GPA is a straight B with a percentile of 87%.
What scholarships can you get with a 3.2 GPA?
You’re eligible for a large number of scholarships with a 3.2 GPA. While some may require a 3.5 GPA or higher, the majority require a 3.0 as their minimum. Apply for plenty of scholarships prior (and during) college to save some money on tuition!
