GPA, or grade point average, is a numerical figure measuring academic performance by taking the average value of all your high school grades. A 2.7 GPA correlates to a B- average and is a few tenths shy of a straight B average.
Is a 2.7 GPA Good?
A B- average is an indication that the material in all of your classes was understood and your performance on homework and tests demonstrated understanding of the course materials. When it comes to applying to college, there are a number of schools that will consider an application with a 2.7 GPA. Keep in mind, though, that the national average for graduating seniors is 3.0 so the closer you get to that figure, the more competitive a candidate you are for even more colleges and universities.
What Colleges Can I Get Into With a 2.7 GPA?
There are a number of colleges that accept students with a 2.7 GPA and we’ve compiled a sample below. While this doesn’t guarantee admission, these schools have a history of accepting students with a 2.7-2.8 GPA range.
For freshmen and sophom*ores, you have plenty of time to lift your GPA from a 2.7 so you can have more options while applying for college. In order to ensure consideration for as many schools as possible, now is the time to put work into all classes and attempt to lift that 2.7 GPA over 3.0. Focus on any classes where you’re struggling and work to improve them, grade by grade. At this point in your academic career, it’s possible to drastically improve your GPA past the competitive benchmark, if that’s your goal! Don’t forget to make time for extracurricular activities and finding things you’re passionate about—these aspects of high school are ranked highly in the college application process, as well.
If you’re a junior, the time to raise your GPA is a bit more limited, but a 2.7 makes you eligible to apply for a number of colleges. To become a more competitive candidate, though, it’s worth putting some extra study time in, but there should be an equal amount of focus on preparing for standardized testing. Take advantage of any test prep courses available through your school, scope out options to take practice tests, and consider a tutor to help guide you through both strengthening your study habits and test-taking skills.
For seniors, students with a 2.7 GPA can apply to many colleges and are eligible for acceptance—but it isn’t considered a competitive grade point average. When compiling a college list, you’ll want to pay particular attention to likely, target, and reach options. If you want to become a more competitive candidate before application season is over, scope out colleges with later deadlines, into February and March, as well as colleges with rolling admissions. It’s possible to bring up your GPA by a tenth if you start during the first semester of senior year. Even if that doesn’t work out, you can still create a competitive package out of your application. Be sure to list all activities outside of the classroom and compose a good application essay to help make this possible.
Another option is applying to a 2-year or community college. Set a good GPA standard during those two years and then transfer to a 4-year college or university to enter as a rising junior—although be sure to consult the details of the college’s articulation agreements.
What Are Colleges Looking At Other Than A 2.7 High School GPA?
When an admissions officer is looking at your application, they’re interested in far more than just your GPA. While the numbers help colleges and universities understand your academic proficiency, it’s only one part of the whole package — you. They want to see what you do outside of the classroom and what makes you tick. To show them that, include any (or all) of the following in your application:
- SAT Scores/ACT Scores
- Extracurricular/After-school activities
- Your Sports
- Application Essays
- Volunteer Work / Community Service
- Jobs / Internships / Special Projects
- FAFSA
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 2.7 GPA in high school considered good?
Based on the number of colleges a 2.7 GPA makes you eligible for, it’s only a so-so GPA. The average high school student graduates with a 3.0 GPA, which offers eligibility at a wide range of colleges, making it ideal for students looking to continue their education. Despite that, though, a 2.7 is still eligible for acceptance at a fair number of 4-year universities, so get started on those applications!
What colleges can I get into with a 2.7 GPA?
Take a look at all of your options for a 2.7 GPA, including National Louis University, theUniversity of South Carolina, and the University of Arkansas at Monticello, all of which accept students with an average GPA of 2.7.
What percentile is a 2.7 GPA?
A 2.7 GPA, or B- letter grade, is a percentile of 82.
What scholarships can you get with a 2.7 GPA?
While you’ll certainly come across scholarships that require a 3.0 GPA or higher, there are still a number of scholarships you can apply for with a 2.7 GPA. You may want to begin with finding scholarships awarded based on an extracurricular activity, such as sports or clubs, or for a passion. Apply for as many as you can because even small amounts can seriously help offset the cost of college tuition!
