<p>Keeping in mind that many top schools have a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement (likely 3.5 min. for top 20 schools), I would say that you’d need at least a 3.7+ with a RIGOROUS courseload for the best chance at a top 20.</p>
<p>As for the “At UChicago, you are more than your GPA or test score” statement, don’t take it out of context. At top 20 schools, majority of the transfer applicants will have very high GPAs and test scores. A student with a GPA and/or test scores that are out of range for the schools usual admitted students should not count on getting accepted.</p>
<p>Another year of taking classes at your current school (with normal course loads), even with straight As, won’t put you at the 3.7+ range. You will likely have to apply at slightly less selective schools. Also keep in mind that if you were never a straight A student, it’s likely going to take some time for you to start getting straight As.</p>
<p>Did you earn the GPA you have because of poor study skills? To reiterate the question above by ocnative, which top 20 schools are you interested in? </p>