I’ve seen countless times that the expected GPA for an Ivy League (or other top tier school) is either a 4.0 unweighted or very close (above 3.9 at the least), and my GPA is a 3.86. From what reading I’ve done on Cappex, CC, etc I get the feeling that 4.0s (or even 3.95+) aren’t that uncommon at some schools. At my school, I can say with relative certainty that no one (in recent years at least… say 2010 and after?) has gotten a 4.0, and the closet I’ve heard is a girl graduating with just a few A-'s (I don’t know the exact number, but at least 3), which granted, is very close, but regardless no one graduates with a 4.0 from my school.
I understand that the college will see my class rank (my 3.86 has me in 3rd out of 220 currently), yet will Ivy Leagues take into account that 4.0s aren’t something that happens at my school? For example, my 3.86 is just below the average GPA of incoming applicants of UChicago, so how much of a burden will this be on my application? I just want to be able to rest peacefully knowing that I won’t get shorted due to an unrealistic expectation (not to say that my GPA will be the sole reason I won’t get in, I am familiar with the holistic review process) .
Your HS will send a school profile with each transcript that describes things like the level of courses offered, average GPA at your HS, etc. so your HS record will be viewed by admission officers in the proper context. You should not address it in your application. If your HS has Naviance that might be a good tool for you to use.
There are tons of people who get in without 4.0s. You’re fine. 3rd in your class? Awesome! Congrats! just be you in your app and the rest is out of your hands
Boy, I think whoever coined the term “Ivy League” was like the pied piper of Hamelin. It is just myth that these eight schools are anything more than a bunch of excellent schools in a sea of excellent schools. A student can get a similarly wonderful education at scores of other universities around the country, and have just as beautiful of a campus and just as terrific classmates.
And consider this, Dartmouth could hardly have a more different environment than Penn or Columbia. Would a student who loved the former want to attend either of the latter? Or vice versa? Columbia is a subway ride to Times Square. Dartmouth is surrounded by cows.
Try this, start at some number in the 20s, say 27. Now research the school ranked that number in LACs or National Universities in U.S. News. You will find a top-notch place where great students, with your stats, are getting great educations and having fun. Now add 10, to 37. Research that school and you will find the same. Now add another 10, to 47. You will find the same. You can continue that for a while. Now research U.S. News list of regional universities for your region or the one where you want to study. You will find the same there.
Because of the mania around Ivy League schools, the odds of acceptance for a top-notch student with a nearly perfect high school record who is not also a recruited athlete, or who has not accomplished something significant at least on the state level, or who does not come from a notable family has a less than 5% chance of being accepted RD to an Ivy. It’s probably more like 1-2% at most schools.
However, the fantastic news is that there are many, many top-notch options for someone with your record. Embrace that, find a great place where you will be learning with many outstanding students, professors, and school staff. Work hard, have fun, treat everyone with respect and good will. You’ll do great. Good luck!
I’ve met several people who got into IVY’s with 3.8-3.9 GPA’s. As long as you took the most rigorous courses offered, then your GPA should be sufficient.
just be you in your app and the rest is out of your hands