Is a 3.9 GPA Good? Best Colleges That Accept a 3.9 GPA

High school students who have earned a GPA of 3.9 can gain admission to some of the nation's best colleges and universities, including highly selective schools.

If you have a 3.9 grade point average (GPA), you might wonder if it's good enough to get you into your preferred college. Since this is considered a pretty high GPA, it is accepted at most schools — even the most selective colleges.

Are you ready to apply? Below, we'll highlight top colleges that accept a 3.9 GPA. We'll also discuss what to expect during the college admissions process.

What Is a 3.9 GPA?

The letter grade for the high school GPA of 3.9 falls between an A- (3.7) and an A (4.0). This means a student's grade point average ranges from superior to outstanding, which reflects their hard work and dedication to excellence. While many schools guarantee admission to students with this GPA, some of the nation's more competitive colleges are accustomed to receiving applications from high-achieving learners. To impress admissions committees at these schools, ensure you have high ACT/SAT test scores. Also, show what makes you unique by sharing your extracurricular activities, unique talents, and leadership skills. <h2 id="section---IsA3.9GPAGood">Is a 3.9 GPA Good?</h2> Yes, 3.9 is a good GPA. It is just shy of the highest grade point average on the unweighted GPA scale. However, it is not the highest GPA on a weighted scale. What's the difference between the two? Unweighted courses use the traditional 4.0 grading scale, while weighted classes are more rigorous and, therefore, use a higher scaling system. For example, in honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and other challenging courses, an A might be worth 5.0 or more. If you want to increase your chances of acceptance at high-GPA colleges, consider adding weighted classes to your course load. <h2 id="section---SchoolsThatAcceptA3.9GPA">Schools That Accept a 3.9 GPA</h2> Are you a student with a strong GPA ready to apply to college? Explore the list below to discover some of the best <a href="https://learn.org/articles/colleges_for_a_students.html">colleges for A students</a>. <h3 id="section---1.FloridaStateUniversity">1. Florida State University</h3> Florida State University is a selective school, accepting about a quarter of its applicants. Students who are admitted have an average GPA of 3.7, which is great for applicants with higher grade point averages. But FSU doesn't only look at grades. It follows a holistic review process that considers strength (GPA, test scores), skill (resume, non-academic involvement), and character. Once admitted, learners choose from degree programs in biochemistry, dietetics, civil engineering, and more. High achievers can participate in research and join the Honors Program. Average GPA: 3.7 Acceptance rate: 25% In-state tuition: $5,604 annually Out-of-state tuition: $18,749 annually <h3 id="section---2.UniversityOfFlorida">2. University of Florida</h3> The University of Florida, ranked among the top 30 national universities by U.S. News & World Report, has a reputation for providing a quality education. Enrollees can choose from dozens of majors, such as marine sciences, zoology, and computer engineering, and participate in the Honors Program to enhance their learning experience. The middle 50% of students admitted have weighted GPAs between 4.5 and 4.7. However, students with lower grades can also apply. The college uses a holistic process to review applications, examining test scores, personal background, an essay, and more. Average GPA: 3.9 Acceptance rate: 24% In-state tuition: $6,380 annually Out-of-state tuition: $28,658 annually <h3 id="section---3.BinghamtonUniversity">3. Binghamton University</h3> The State University of New York at Binghamton (Binghamton University) is a public research university offering programs in a range of subject areas, including the arts and sciences, engineering, nursing, and public affairs. Its first-year retention rate (92%) is much higher than the national average (62%). Though the school doesn't state GPA requirements, the middle 50% of admitted students have GPAs between 3.7 and 3.9. To enroll, applicants must submit transcripts and a letter of recommendation. Test scores are optional. Average GPA: 3.9 Acceptance rate: 38% In-state tuition: $7,070 annually Out-of-state tuition: $28,970 annually <h3 id="section---4.NorthCarolinaStateUniversity">4. North Carolina State University</h3> Students with a high GPA interested in attending North Carolina State University have a good chance of admission since the school accepts 40% of applicants. Also, the middle 50% of admitted students have unweighted GPAs ranging from 3.74 to 3.97. The admissions process involves submitting transcripts and completing essay prompts. Learners who want to be considered for the Honors Program answer an additional essay question. Once admitted, students can pursue degrees in engineering, design, the sciences, management, and more. Average GPA: 3.9 Acceptance rate: 40% In-state tuition: $9,028 annually Out-of-state tuition: $33,993 annually <h3 id="section---5.GeorgiaInstituteOfTechnology">5. Georgia Institute of Technology</h3> Georgia Institute of Technology offers 39 majors that enable learners to study fields such as computer science, architecture, industrial design, and public policy. For students who want to enhance their academic journeys, the R1 school offers undergraduate research opportunities. When reviewing applications, the institute uses a 100-point GPA or weighted GPAs. Unweighted GPAs on a 4.0 scale are used if the other options aren't available. Other admission criteria include SAT or ACT scores and a personal essay. Average GPA: N/A Acceptance rate: 16% In-state tuition: $10,512 annually Out-of-state tuition: $33,596 annually <h3 id="section---6.UniversityOfCaliforniaLosAngeles">6. University of California, Los Angeles</h3> The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is one of the nation's top 15 schools. With a low acceptance rate (9%) and a high average GPA for admitted students (3.9), getting in can be tough. However, UCLA performs a comprehensive review of grades, course rigor, leadership outside the classroom, and more to increase the chances of admission for all applicants. Learners who are admitted can choose from 140 majors in astrophysics, global studies, data theory, economics, and more. Study abroad and research options are also available. Average GPA: 3.9 Acceptance rate: 9% In-state tuition: $15,700 annually Out-of-state tuition: $53,302 annually <h3 id="section---7.UniversityOfVirginia">7. University of Virginia</h3> At the University of Virginia, students applying for admission don't have to worry about GPA or testing cutoffs. However, the top 25-ranked school does aim to maintain a student population that is two-thirds Virginia residents. When reviewing applications, admissions officers follow a holistic process that considers academic achievement, personal background, and a desire to succeed. Once admitted, students choose from programs in anthropology, economics, leadership, physics, and beyond. Most (92%) graduate in four years. Average GPA: N/A Acceptance rate: 17% In-state tuition: Starting at $16,258 annually Out-of-state tuition: Starting at $55,436 annually <h3 id="section---8.UniversityOfMichigan">8. University of Michigan</h3> The University of Michigan, a top 25-ranked school, has high standards. It accepts less than one in five applicants, has an average GPA of 3.9 among admitted students, and graduates 82% of learners within four years. Learners who gain admission can look forward to over 280 degree options from 14 schools. Areas of study include business, data science, linguistics, and plant biology. To apply, students should submit a high school transcript, teacher evaluation, and test scores with the Common Application. Average GPA: 3.9 Acceptance rate: 18% In-state tuition: Starting at $17,736 annually Out-of-state tuition: Starting at $60,946 anually <h3 id="section---9.CarnegieMellonUniversity">9. Carnegie Mellon University</h3> At Carnegie Mellon University, students choose from fine arts, business, engineering, and many other programs of study. Learners who want to enhance their academic journeys can participate in undergraduate research. To be considered for admission to Carnegie Mellon, applicants submit high school grades and courses, test scores, a counselor evaluation, and complete Common Application requirements. On average, admitted students have an average GPA of 3.9. About 11% of applicants are accepted. Average GPA: 3.9 Acceptance rate: 11% In-state tuition: $67,020 annually Out-of-state tuition: $67,020 annually <h3 id="section---10.VanderbiltUniversity">10. Vanderbilt University</h3> The process of applying to Vanderbilt University involves submitting an official transcript and three letters of recommendation — one from a counselor and two from teachers. On average, admitted students have a GPA of 3.9. Vanderbilt is ranked among the nation's top 20 national universities, accepting just 6% of applicants and graduating nearly nine out of 10 (89%) students in four years. Once enrolled, learners choose from 70+ majors offered through colleges and schools that explore music, engineering, education, and the arts and sciences. Average GPA: 3.9 Acceptance rate: 6% In-state tuition: $67,934 annually Out-of-state tuition: $67,934 annually <h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2> Our team thoroughly vetted the schools in this ranking list to ensure each has met the following criteria for providing a quality learning experience: <ul><li>Accreditation: All schools are accredited by nationally recognized organizations, such as the MSCHE and the WSCUC. </li><li>GPA requirement: Most colleges in this list admit students with higher GPAs (3.7 to 3.9) or accept lower grade point averages through holistic admissions reviews. </li><li>Acceptance rates: We picked schools with a range of acceptance rates; however, all are attainable while ensuring academic rigor for high-achieving students. </li></ul><h2 id="section---CollegeAdmissionsWithA3.9GPA">College Admissions With a 3.9 GPA</h2> A 3.9 GPA can help learners enroll at most colleges nationwide. But you shouldn't assume you'll be guaranteed admission to all schools. When applying, follow all required steps, including meeting deadlines and submitting documents such as: <ul><li>college application </li><li>official transcripts </li><li>essay or personal statement </li><li>ACT or SAT scores (unless the school is test-optional) </li><li>letters of recommendation </li></ul>During the admissions process, you might also be asked to respond to essay questions or participate in an interview. Don't forget to pay all required application fees. <h2 id="section---FAQsAboutCollegesAcceptingStudentsWithBelowAverageGPAs">FAQs About Colleges Accepting Students With Below-Average GPAs</h2> If you're ready to attend the college of your dreams, the next step is to apply. But before getting started, review these FAQs about colleges that accept a 3.9 GPA. <h3 id="section---WillCollegesAcceptA3.9GPA">Will Colleges Accept a 3.9 GPA?</h3> A 3.9 GPA is near the top of a 4.0 grading scale. This high grade point average is accepted at most colleges — but it doesn't always guarantee admission. Depending on your college of choice, you'll want to ensure that your application catches the attention of admission officers. In addition to having a high SAT or ACT score, submitting a quality college essay and impressive letters of recommendation can make a difference. <h3 id="section---IsA3.9GPAGoodForAnIvyLeagueSchool">Is a 3.9 GPA Good for an Ivy League School?</h3> Yes, Ivy League schools (e.g., Harvard University, Dartmouth College, or Columbia University) accept a GPA of 3.9. However, these highly selective schools receive applications with higher GPAs. If you want to stand out from other applicants, aim for a high-percentile standardized test score and ensure you're ranked at the top of your graduating class. <h3 id="section---DoCollegesLookAtWeightedOrUnweightedGPA">Do Colleges Look at Weighted or Unweighted GPA?</h3> Many schools look at both weighted and unweighted GPAs when deciding which students to admit. Colleges often use the unweighted GPA system, or 4.0 grading scale, to compare applicants' academic performances. However, schools that also factor in the difficulty of students' coursework look at weighted GPAs, which can reach as high as 6.0. <h2 id="section---ExploreOnlineDegreePrograms">Explore Online Degree Programs</h2> Begin an exciting journey in higher education by exploring the degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools today to learn how they can help you reach your academic goals.

Is a 3.9 GPA Good? Best Colleges That Accept a 3.9 GPA

What Is a 3.9 GPA?

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