The 4.0 Exchange Rate: How GPA Impacts Admissions at 48 Schools
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We examined 11,000+ student admissions files to assess the GPA sensitivity of schools in the Ivy League, UCs, and more.
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Acceptance rates for different GPAs at 48 top schools
See where the difference between a 3.5 and 4.0 matters most
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A higher GPA can change a student's admissions odds in very different ways, depending on where they apply
Empowerly’s Research Team analyzed 11,000+ student files to see where grades made the biggest impact. Of the 48 colleges in this report, 27 gave a 4.0 student a 50% chance of admission or better. At nine selective schools, a 4.5 weighted GPA didn't increase admission odds above 30%.
How do the admissions outcomes at selective schools differ with GPA?
What liberal arts colleges have the highest GPA sensitivity?
What outcomes should you expect at UC universities like UCLA, Berkeley, Davis, San Diego, and more.
What the schools report
Our analysis draws on data that each school submits every year about what it values in admissions.
Reviewed by former admissions officers.
Every report is interpreted alongside counselors who spent years reading applications at selective universities.
Published in full.
We publish our methodology so you can judge the report