California Colleges for a 3.8 GPA

What colleges can I get into with a 3.8 GPA?

Graduating with a high school GPA of 3.8 places you within of the academic range at California colleges like Stanford University, University of California Los Angeles and University of Southern California. Based on incoming freshman GPA data for california schools, our analysis indicates that 40 colleges would consider your 3.8 GPA competitive. The most popular colleges, historically accepting students with GPAs within the range of 3.6 to 4.0 (3.8 +/- 0.2), are listed below. To view your chances of admission at each school, scroll down and explore the full list.

3.8 for Harvard and Ivy League

A 3.8 is a bit below the average that Harvard or Ivy League schools usually accept. However, all of these elite colleges do admit some students with 3.8's every year. You would need to stand out in other ways with very high SATs, ACTs, AP classes, extracurricular activities, volunteer work and a compelling essay.

Here are the average GPAs and estimated chances for admission with a 3.8 at Ivy League and other prestigious colleges and universities.

• Harvard - 4.0 average GPA / 1.9% chance
• Princeton - 3.93 average GPA / 4.5% chance
• Yale - 3.95 average GPA / 3.6% chance
• Penn - 3.95 average GPA / 5.0% chance
• Dartmouth - 3.9 average GPA / 4.8% chance
• Brown - 3.94 average GPA / 3.6% chance
• Cornell - 3.9 average GPA / 5.6% chance
• Columbia - 3.91 average GPA / 3.1% chance
• Stanford - 3.96 average GPA / 2.8% chance
• MIT - 3.96 average GPA / 2.8% chance
• Caltech - 3.97 average GPA / 2.0% chance

Magna Cum Laude

Magna cum laude or "with great distinction" is the second highest Latin Honor. It is awarded to graduates with the very high academic performance. The exact range for magna cum laude varies by college or high school but is generally between a 3.7 and 3.8 GPA. As a result, a graduate with a 3.8 GPA is typically eligible for the magna cum laude distinction.

3.8 GPA honor roll

Many high schools have honor rolls which are published to recognize students with consistently high performance. The qualifications for getting on the honor roll vary from school to school. Frequently, a high and standard honor roll is established with different criteria, sometimes for students above 3.0, 3.5 or 3.75 GPAs. In most cases a 3.8 will get you on the honor roll.

Demographic Statistics

Let's examine how a 3.8 GPA stacks up to the national high school averages across various demographic groups

Gender

• Male: A 3.8 is 0.8 points (27%) higher than the average male student GPA of 3.0
• Female: A 3.8 is 0.6 points (18%) higher than the average female student GPA of 3.23

Race/ethnicity

• White: A 3.8 is 0.6 points (18%) higher than the average white student GPA of 3.23
• Black: A 3.8 is 1 points (34%) higher than the average black student GPA of 2.83
• Hispanic: A 3.8 is 0.8 points (29%) higher than the average Hispanic student GPA of 2.95
• Asian/Pacific Islander: A 3.8 is 0.4 points (12%) higher than the average Asian/Pacific Islander student GPA of 3.39

Statistics source: 2019 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) High School Transcript Study (HSTS)

How can I raise my 3.8 GPA?

Consider the following tips to improve or maintain your 3.8 GPA. These are good study habits to develop in high school which will improve your college admission chances.

• Identify areas of weakness: Determine which subjects or topics you struggle with and focus on improving those areas. This targeted approach will help you make the most significant impact on your overall GPA.
• Develop a study schedule: Create a consistent study routine that allocates time for each subject. Establishing regular study habits will help you stay on track and better retain information.
• Use effective study techniques: Employ proven study techniques like spaced repetition and active recall to enhance your learning and retention.
• Seek help when needed: Don't hesitate to ask for help from teachers, peers, or tutors if you're struggling with a subject. Most schools offer tutoring services, and your teachers are there to support your learning.
• Participate in class: Engage in classroom discussions and ask questions. Active participation can deepen your understanding of the material and demonstrate your commitment to learning.
• Organize your study materials: Keep your notes, assignments, and resources well-organized, making it easier to access and review them when needed.
• Break down large tasks: Divide complex projects or lengthy assignments into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes it easier to track your progress and reduce feeling overwhelmed.
• Practice good time management: Use to-do lists or online schedulers to manage your time effectively. Dedicating time for studying, extracurricular activities, and relaxation can help you maintain a healthy balance.
• Utilize online resources: Take advantage of online resources, such as Khan Academy, YouTube tutorials, or educational websites, to supplement your learning and gain a deeper understanding of challenging topics.
• Join or form study groups: Collaborate with classmates in study groups to review material, discuss concepts, and prepare for exams. This collaborative learning environment can boost your motivation and understanding of the subject matter.
• Stay consistent: Consistency is key to improving your GPA. Maintain good study habits, complete assignments on time, and stay focused on your academic goals.
• Monitor your progress: Track your GPA with a GPA calculator and assess your progress. This will help you stay motivated and adjust your strategies as needed to continue improving.
• Foster a growth mindset: Believe in your ability to grow and improve. Embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and remind yourself that your efforts will yield results.

Aside from good study habits, chart your path towards your target GPA by understanding what it will take to get there. You can refer to a raise your GPA calculator to check the future grades you need to achieve the GPA you aspire to.