Grade point average (GPA) is a cumulative average of your final grades in every high school class. With a 2.0 GPA corresponding with a “C+” average, a 2.3 GPA indicates that the average percentile you’re earning in class is 78%.
Is a 2.3 GPA Good?
In a by-the-textbook definition, a 2.3 GPA is considered “below-average.” Even though it’s considered a passing grade, a 2.3 GPA, or a C-grade average, isn’t ideal for getting accepted into college. The competitive baseline for college applications is a 3.0 (or a B average)—and the average GPA for all graduating high school students is 3.0. The closer you get to a 3.0 (or above), the more colleges you’ll be able to apply to! While options are limited at the 2.3 GPA-range, there are still 4-year colleges that accept students with this GPA.
What Colleges Can I Get Into with a 2.3 GPA?
The list below consists of schools that historically have admitted students with a 2.3-2.4 GPA. Earning a GPA in that range does not guarantee admission to these schools, they have historically accepted students with this GPA.
In your freshman or sophom*ore year of high school, it’s definitely possible to increase a 2.3 GPA closer to the national average. Set a goal of steady improvement by devoting more time to studying outside of school and utilizing your high school’s testing center resources. By turning a C+ into a B- and a B- into B, a 2.3 GPA will start to move closer to 3.0 and it’s possible to start setting a goal in the 3.3-3.5 range if you really work for it.
For students in their junior year, a 3.0 GPA would be incredibly difficult, but an improvement to the 2.5-2.7 area is a very realistic goal. Improve your study habits and take advantage of any resources your school offers to gradually increase a 2.3 GPA, but know that at your third year of high school, it’ll take total commitment to improvement to climb the GPA ladder. In the end, though, you’ll be rewarded with a much wider range of college options.
As for seniors, it’s worth considering colleges and universities with later application deadlines in February or March, which gives an extra semester to showcase some improvement. There’s also the option of attending a 2-year junior or community college since they typically practice open enrollment (with no GPA requirements). A community college offers two years to establish an improved GPA and then apply for transfer to a 4-year school. It can also save money on tuition, as well as on room and board.
What Are Colleges Looking At Other Than a 2.3 High School GPA?
Colleges and universities consider a lot more than just a single number, even if it is your GPA. They want to get to know students holistically before extending admission, especially if there’s a reason for a low GPA like a 2.3. Be honest with admissions officers and show your skills and commitments from elsewhere in your life, including family responsibilities. Include as many of the following in your application as possible:
- SAT Scores / ACT Scores
- Extracurricular/Afterschool activities
- Sports
- Application Essays
- Volunteer Work
- Jobs / Internships / Special Projects
- FAFSA
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 2.3 GPA in high school considered good?
When we categorize something as “good,” we want it to mean that students have a variety of options for applying to college. Under those guidelines, a 2.3 GPA doesn’t rank well. There are a limited number of colleges that will accept a 2.3 GPA. Options improve greatly with if this GPA can be raised to at least a 2.5.
What colleges can I get into with a 2.3 GPA?
With a 2.3 GPA, admission in 4-year colleges or universities will be difficult. However, you can take a closer look at institutions such as Livingstone College, Southern Vermont College, and Southern University at New Orleans, all three of which accept students with an average GPA of 2.3-2.4.
What percentile is a 2.3 GPA?
A 2.3 GPA is a percentile of 78, equating to a C+.
What scholarships can you get with a 2.3 GPA?
If you’re looking for scholarships based on merit, you’ll have a hard time finding ones requiring less than a 2.5. The majority of scholarships with GPA requirements begin between 2.5 and 3.0, so, with a 2.3 it’ll be hard to earn those. However, there are a wide variety of scholarships that don’t require a specific GPA, such as ones for sports, extracurriculars, or interests. Start finding and applying to a number of those to offset the cost of college tuition.
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