<p>How difficult is it to get a 3.5 at a top-ranked engineering university? I want to get a GPA around a 3.5 to keep my options open when graduation comes. </p>
<p>More Specifically, I'm an undergrad at GT and I just declared my major to be Aerospace Engineering. How difficult would it be to graduate with a 3.5-3.7 GPA? </p>
<p>I'm asking because of the high attrition rate of engineering, and the fact that everyone says its such a hard/impossible major. Also, it does not sound easy to get good scores in classes like aerodynamics, structural analysis, etc. </p>
<p>The difficulty of engineering is greatly exaggerated by those here. That said, a 3.5 is not exactly easy - that’s pretty much an A- average. Put in a consistent effort (as in work every day and go to class - you don’t necessarily have to work especially hard) and you will have a good chance of getting what you want though.</p>
<p>Depends on the school. I remember there was a website that kept the average GPAs of all majors from many different universities. Google it, and see how tough the major you’re in from that university. I think most engineering average GPAs was around 3.00, even from elite engineering schools.</p>
<p>At Penn State, 3.5 was around the 75th percentile, I do not think it will be substantially different for GT - so figure you have a blind 15-35% chance? Assuming nothing about your abilities but assuming that you graduate in engineering, I do not think ANYONE keeps information on those who transfer to other majors.</p>
<p>If you are graduating from a top engineering program anything above 3.0 is fine. I agree with Neo that the difficulty of engineering programs are greatly exaggerated here.</p>
<p>One thing I found that would greatly help you succeed in engineering is building strong relationships with your professors. Meet them regularly during their office hours and discuss difficult sections on subjects, discuss research/job prospects, just show that you are interested in the subject and is serious about it. These relationships will help you throughout college and even after graduating when you need recommendations.</p>
<p>And definitely, GO TO CLASS EVERYDAY AND DON’T SLEEP IN CLASS (which many engineering majors tend to).</p>