Is a 3.6 unweighted GPA adequate to be accepted into the top schools of the country

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I'm specifically looking into Northwestern and U of Chicago.
I am in the top 8% of the class, and everything else is fine.
Great extracurriculars, recomendations, standardized test scores, the whole deal.
The only thing I'm really worried about is my GPA.
I have taken the most rigorous coursework, but I know a 3.6 GPA isn't very strong.
Do I still have a good shot?</p>

<p>By the way, I'm applying ED to Northwestern, if that helps.
Thanks.</p>

2

<p>it depends on ur school. if you have a school thats good and offers low gpas, then you probs do
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3

<p>Your GPA will serve as an impediment in your application to these schools as it falls below the average of accepted students.</p>

4

<p>^Way to not answer the question.</p>

<p>What’s more important is the class rank.</p>

5

<p>Thanks. I’m just really worried because a 3.6 definitely isn’t top-notch.</p>

6

<p>^Yes it implies that you have gotten 5 or 6 Bs, which is a lot, but it’s relative to how tough the academic environment of your school is.</p>

7

<p>Well, as long as everything else is good, will it make that much of a difference?
I’m writing in the additional information portion of the Common App about family circumstances that were part of the reason I didn’t do as well as I should have freshman and junior year as well.</p>

<p>And 2 other people are applying ED to Northwestern from my school and they have lower GPAs than mine.</p>

8

<p>It doesn’t matter if other people who are applying from your school have lower GPA’s. Has anyone been accepted to UChicago or Northwestern from previous years? Compare yourself to other class years.</p>

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<p>I think it really depends on the calibre of your school i.e. competitive, average etc. And as far as i can see coming top 8% with a 3.6 gpa would probably put your school in the competitive category. I mean, a 3.6 gpa in the top 10% is not the same as a 3.6 gpa in the top 50%. Get what I mean?</p>