<p>I've read that you need at least a 3.8/4.0 GPA to have a shot.</p>
<p>However, the school I'm looking at seems very though (It's not in the USA). I asked some students and they said that about 15/300 of the ECEs get above 3.8/4.0 during first year! Because classes get tougher, not all of these 15 will keep their grade this high.</p>
<p>I'm basically wondering if I need to be the absolute BEST in university to have a shot at these schools. Something tells me that American universities grade easier because you guys make it seem not that big of a deal to get a 3.8, or you guys are all geniuses.</p>
<p>I really hope you guys can help me on this issue.</p>
<p>Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>If someone here tells you that getting a 3.8+ in engineering is not a big deal, reach through your computer screen and slap them.</p>
<p>Are people telling you that a 3.8 in high school is not a big deal or that a 3.8 in Engineering is not a big deal? Not all 3.8s are born equal.</p>
<p>A 3.8 in engineering is very above average.</p>
<p>That said, it is not a magic ticket to an elite grad school. It is a good start but grad schools, especially the top ones, require a great GRE, great recommendation letters and research experience as well.</p>
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<p>If you’re relying on GPA alone, I’d say that’s a reasonable number. However, the more common case at top schools is a 3.3-3.6 GPA from a first tier school with research experience and strong recommendations. That’s for a doctorate, though. A professional MS program is much easier for admission.</p>
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<p>A 3.8 GPA in a first tier engineering program is generally somewhere between Top 1% and Top 0.5%.</p>