Is a 3.8/95 Weighted GPA Bad in High School?

A weighted GPA of 3.8 on a 4.0 scale is generally considered quite good, especially if it reflects strong performance in Honors or Advanced Placement (AP) courses. A 95 average typically indicates high marks in your classes. However, whether a 3.8/95 weighted GPA is considered bad really depends on the school context, your college goals, and how you present other aspects of your application.

School Context

Regarding the school context, it's important to remember that different schools have different grading scales and academic rigor. In a highly competitive school, a 3.8 might be seen as average. Meanwhile, in a less competitive environment, it could be considered exceptional. Therefore, it's crucial to consider the specific context of your school when evaluating your GPA.

College Goals

If your college goals include getting into very selective colleges, you may want to enhance your GPA further. However, a 3.8 is still highly competitive for many schools. Understanding your target school's admissions criteria and striving to meet those expectations is key.

Extracurriculars and Test Scores

Colleges don't just look at your GPA; they also consider your extracurricular involvement and standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT. These factors can significantly impact your college application. If your 3.8/95 weighted GPA is complemented by strong extracurricular activities and high test scores, your application becomes more robust.

A Personal Perspective

There is still a lot of competition in school these days, leading some students to become obsessed with achieving a very high GPA and belittling anyone whose GPA is below 4.0. While I was once one of those students, holding a high weighted GPA, I am now very proud of my achievements. Achieving a 3.8/95 weighted GPA is a commendable accomplishment, and you should take pride in your academic performance.

Even if you are concerned that this GPA might not open the door to a particular college, you should not worry too much. A 3.8 is generally well above the minimum GPA requirement for many schools. college applications are made up of multiple components, including your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. Focusing on a holistic application rather than just a single metric is important.

College Rejection and Success Stories

As a point of reference, I was rejected from my top choice college despite having high test scores and GPA. Yet, other students with lower GPAs were admitted to the same or even more prestigious schools. This illustrates that GPA is just one aspect of your college application.

Keep up the good work and make sure to enjoy the rest of your high school years. From time to time, I actually miss those days. Remember, understanding the big picture and not becoming fixated on a single number can help you navigate the complex world of college admissions more effectively.