I’m contemplating applying to top 20 schools, but how much would a 3.7 hurt me in admissions? Take into consideration that my other scores are in line with the averages of these schools.
This UW GPA is my cumulative of Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior year.
No, not really. It may be harder to get into Harvard that the average applicant (Probably really hard, like don’t expect to get in, but don’t count yourself out of it), but you can still get into some great schools. I got waitlisted at UChicago with a 3.4 UW (Though their waitlist doesn’t mean much), so a 3.7 isn’t bad if accompanied by good test scores, essays, and extracurriculars.
Are you planning on a career that relies heavily on school prestige, like Wall Street? You may find you are happier at a school outside the top 20.
I’ll be following this thread. I have a 3.52 (will be a 3.6 by apps time) but a pretty high rank and upward trend. I think that a 3.7 (if you are taking the most rigorous possible classes) shouldn’t get in the way of getting into a selective school, but I look forward to seeing the advice of others. And I echo what @Cosmological said – don’t limit your search to top 20, but certainly apply. Godd luck!
@Cosmological Yes, that is exactly my plan actually. I expect to major in Econ at this time 
bump
Top 20 is a very wide range as they range from only geniuses with sociable skill while also athletic and play instruments to eh, you made some mistakes but you still pretty good and you are sociable. 3.7 not gonna get you the first one but possible for the second one if you have some interesting activities and essays.
@long2181998 I’m going to have to disagree with your post. To my knowledge, every top College/University has a variety of each of the types of students you described. That’s why most of these types of Colleges are considered “diverse”.
It depends on the school, class schedule, and other variables. If you took all regular classes then probably, but you also never know until you apply.
I would imagine that it really depends on what kinds of classes you took. If you were in advanced/honors classes or took classes ahead of your level, I imagine you’d still have a competitive edge, compared to students who took only average-level classes.
@dylan197 some of the best business schools might be outside off the top 20.
@wcao9311 examples?
NYU Stern, Michigan Ross, UVA McIntire, GTown McDonough, BC Carroll, UNC KF, CMU Tepper.
All great business schools outside of the USNWR top 20.
Honestly focus on what you get out of the school. After your first couple of jobs, employers ask what experiences and other things you bring to the table. Obviously you probably would get connections from a school like Harvard, but if you could get in there you would probably be successful, no matter where you went.