3.8 GPA Colleges: Browse Schools That Accept a 3.8 GPA
GPA, or Grade Point Average, provides a numeric summary of academic performance by averaging all of your final class grades. A 3.8 GPA is just shy of a straight “A” average and indicates that you’ve received mostly As.
Is a 3.8 GPA Good?
GPA is measured on a 4.0 scale, with 4.0 correlating to flawless straight As every semester. A 3.8 GPA is only two tenths of a point below that “perfect” GPA, demonstrating consistent performance at a high level. To put this in perspective, the average GPA of graduating high school seniors is a 3.0—a 3.8 GPA far exceeds that figure. It also outpaces the 3.5 benchmark that most selective colleges use as an unspoken baseline for admission.
What Colleges Can I Get Into With a 3.8 GPA?
Your GPA makes you eligible for consideration at a sizable number of colleges and universities and we’ve compiled a sample list of schools to consider below. No GPA guarantees admission, regardless of how high, but all of these colleges have established a history of accepting students in the 3.8-3.9 range.
The most important thing for freshmen and sophomores to do at this point is to recognize that a 3.8 GPA means you can submit a competitive application to just about every college. Because of this, set a goal to continue doing the work to maintain it. Notice the academic skills that helped earn a 3.8 GPA and cultivate them going forward. It’s also important to put some time and energy into extracurriculars, including (but certainly not limited to) after school clubs and organizations, sports (varsity or otherwise), and community service. Come college application season, higher education institutions will be looking for well-rounded students submitting a passionate personal statement, and extracurriculars are often where that comes from.
As for juniors, remember that most colleges weigh standardized test scores on par with GPA when considering applications. With a stellar GPA already achieved, concentrate on preparing for the upcoming ACT or SAT exams. During your study time, take a few practice tests to get used to the format of a college entrance exam. Be sure to time yourself and make notes about any sections that are difficult or tricky so you know where to focus your studies. Familiarizing yourself with test taking strategies, such as educated guessing and skimming long paragraphs of text for pertinent information, can also come in handy.
If you’re a senior, focus on making sure that the rest of your application is as strong as possible. Have your college counselor look at your application essay to ensure that it best represents your voice and accomplishments. Put together a list of after school activities and determine if there’s time to join any other clubs that interest you. Above all, you should be proud and step confidently into the college application process—a 3.8 GPA makes you an extremely competitive applicant at a majority of institutions.
What Are Colleges Looking at Other Than a 3.8 GPA?
When submitting a college application, there’s an extreme amount of focus on GPA and standardized testing. While these numbers may be the first two aspects admission counselors look at, they’re certainly not the last. Colleges and universities want to see well-rounded students, including participation in afterschool activities. Highlight any or all of the following in your 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 3.8 GPA in high school considered good?
The average GPA of graduating high schoolers is 3.0, making 3.8 a definitively good GPA. It gives you a reasonable chance of acceptance at even competitive institutions, so reach as high as you can!
What colleges can I get into with a 3.8 GPA?
You can apply, with a reasonable chance of acceptance, into almost every college, including competitive ones. Consider The University of Texas at Austin, the University of Southern California, and the University of Washington-Seattle Campus as great target options since all accept students with an average GPA of 3.8.
At this GPA, you can also apply to Ivy League institutions, like Princeton University and Stanford University (both of which have average GPAs of 3.9), though, as always, even a 4.0 and 36 ACT don’t guarantee admission at Ivies.
What percentile is a 3.8 GPA?
A 3.8 grade point average, or A average, equates to a percentile of 93%.
What scholarships can you get with a 3.8 GPA?
You’re eligible for the vast majority of scholarships. There are a scant few that require a 4.0 GPA, but you’ll find those few and far between! It’s best to apply to as many scholarships as possible to help offset the cost of tuition, especially the unexpected costs of books, food, and dorm stuff. Start applying today!
