3.7 GPA Colleges: Browse Schools That Accept a 3.7 GPA
Grade point average (GPA) provides a numeric measurement of high school performance by averaging all final grades. A 3.7 GPA means that you’ve earned an average of an A- for your academic performance.
Is a 3.7 GPA Good?
While “good” is traditionally considered subjective, a 3.7 GPA is 7-tenths above the national average high school GPA of 3.0. Earning a 3.7 GPA indicated consistent academic achievement and means you can apply to just about any school with a good chance of being accepted (except for the Ivy League schools, but that’s because there are no circumstances of guaranteed admission at Ivies).
A 3.7 GPA substantially clears the unofficial benchmark that most colleges use for competitive admission (3.0) and is also higher than the baseline average for more selective schools (3.5). Since one of the goals of a good GPA is to make you eligible for admission to as many colleges as possible, a 3.7 GPA establishes a very good foundation for that purpose.
What Colleges Can I Apply to With a 3.7 GPA?
With a 3.7 GPA, there will be a large variety of colleges and universities to choose from. We’ve put together a sample list below consisting of schools that have a history of accepting students in the 3.7-3.8 range.
If you’re a freshman or sophomore, keep adhering to the study habits and dedicated effort that helped earn a 3.7 GPA. Maintaining a consistent performance ensures that you’ll have a wide assortment of college options to choose from. Evaluate your study habits and test taking techniques so you’re conscious of what works for you. If you want to challenge yourself, it’s possible to raise your GPA to 3.9 with consistent As going forward but remember that a 3.7 is a very competitive GPA for the vast majority of schools. Putting some focus on extracurricular activities, sports, and community service would likely serve your eventual college application more than a tenth of a GPA point.
For juniors, there’s not enough time to significantly raise your GPA. Instead, with standardized test season approaching, focus on preparing for the ACT or SAT. Many colleges consider entrance exam scores and GPA equally as important so be sure to devote enough time to adequately prepare. Take a few practice ACT or SAT tests and make notes on the questions that are especially difficult. If you can fit it into your schedule, sign up for a test prep class, which are often offered by high schools or the district.
If you’re a senior, now is the time to make sure the rest of your application stands out as much as a 3.7 GPA. Pay a visit to your school’s college counselors to ask them to review your college essay and offer suggestions for improvement. Attend college information sessions with visiting admissions officers to get to know more about their schools since this will provide a fuller picture of what their schools are looking for in an applicant. If there are any after school activities you’ve always wanted to try, now is the time to join a new organization. Every extracurricular activity could make a difference when applying to a competitive college.
What Are Colleges Looking At Other Than a 3.7 High School GPA?
Colleges look at student applications holistically, so on top of earning great GPA and standardized test scores, you’ll want to show interests through participating in clubs or sports. Prominently display any or all of the following on 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 3.7 GPA in high school considered good?
Considering that the average GPA for graduating high school students is 3.0, you can certainly be proud of your 3.7 GPA. Indicating that your average grade throughout high school was an A-, you'll be able to apply to a wide variety of colleges, including many competitive ones.
What colleges can I get into with a 3.7 GPA?
Just about all of them! Remember that colleges and universities look at applications holistically, so put equal focus on extracurriculars. You can consider Boston University, Purdue University, and Michigan State University colleges matching your academic ability, with an average GPA of accepted students at 3.7.
What percentile is a 3.7 GPA?
A 3.7 GPA, or an A- average, is a percentile of 92.
What scholarships can you get with a 3.7 GPA?
You’ll be hard-pressed to find scholarships that you can’t apply to, except for a scant few that require a 4.0. Apply to a wide variety of scholarships and earn some money to offset the cost of tuition!
