Your Grade Point Average gives you a numerical summary of how well you did academically.
A 3.8% GPA indicates that you have primarily received A’s and are on a straight “A” average.
It is a total that represents how well you did in all of your high school courses.
Every grade has a numerical value that is considered when determining your final GPA.
GPAs are determined in the USA using a 4-point scale (1 point = 0 to 4 points = 0). Your GPA, though, may be higher than 4 points if your high school uses a weighted grading system to determine it.
If anybody tells you that GPA is unimportant, show them this: Does GPA Matter in College, and How Can You Raise it Higher?
What Does a 3.8 GPA Mean
On a 4 points scale, a 3.8 corresponds to an A-letter grade corresponds or grade point average. It also equates to 90 to 92 Percent in a percentage grading system.
The national average GPA is thought to be 3.0. As a result of being above the standard requirement, a 3.8 GPA is significantly better than a 3.0 GPA. This is because a 3.8 GPA is already a very high score, and you must work extremely hard and be very committed to raising your score above it.
A 3.8 GPA is represented by the letter “A,” and denotes an excellent grade. You’ll be surprised to learn that the number of semester hours spent in class, individual grades, and combinations of course credits are all used to determine GPAs.
It varies by college, and some schools require percentage grades rather than GPA, so you’ll need to ask questions.
Earning a consistent set of A’s across all your classes, reflects in your 3.8 GPA.
A 91 percent grade on the percentage scale corresponds to a grade point average of 3.8 . This indicates that you completed tests and assignments on average with a 91 Percent grade.
A-letter grades have GPAs ranging from 3.0 and 3.5.
Your 3.8-grade point average places you in the middle of the A- range, showing that you most likely earned almost all A’s (4.0) with a few B’s (3.0) in school.
We can as well talk about 1,5 GA: Is A 1.5 GPA Good? Colleges That Accept A 1.5 GPA
Understanding GPA Ratings
Your college GPA is typically determined on an unweighted basis and ranges from 0 to 4 on a scale.
All of your classes count equally toward your overall GPA when it is unweighted. FOR EXAMPLE, a C in your first-year biology class has the same impact on your GPA as an A in your second-year calculus class.
Additionally, each letter grade you receive has a corresponding numeric value.
A weighted GPA ranges from 1 to 5 and is typically applied to more difficult classes, such as honours, AP, and IB, having a more significant impact on your score.
While an A in a regular class is worth 4.0, it is worth 5.0 in an AP class.
Weighted GPAs accurately evaluate a student’s performance and encourage them to enroll in harder classes.
Unweighted GPAs, on the other hand, allow for equal consideration of all students, regardless of whether their school offers more challenging courses.
An unweighted scale will typically be used to convert the typical college GPA. However, admissions websites will inform you of their college GPA requirements and whether they prefer the weighted GPA for college as you complete your applications.
Additionally, you can review each GPA requirement list on the websites of your prospective colleges to see the specific college admissions requirements before applying.
The table below explains GPA and GPA ratings.
| s/n | Percent | GradeLetter | Grade on a 4.0 Scale |
| 1. | 97-100 | A+ | 4.0 |
| 2. | 93-96 | A | 4.0 |
| 3. | 90-92 | A- | 3.7 |
| 4. | 87-89 | B+ | 3.3 |
| 5. | 83-86 | B | 3.0 |
| 6. | 80-82 | B- | 2.7 |
| 7. | 77-79 | C+ | 2.3 |
| 8. | 73-76 | C | 2.0 |
| 9. | 70-72 | C- | 1.7 |
| 10. | 65-66 | D+ | 1.3 |
| 11. | < 65 | F | 0.0 |
Some colleges accept 4.0 students. More details here: Is a 4.0 GPA Good? Colleges That Accept a 4.0 GPA
How Schools Evaluate GPA
Some schools have actual GPA requirements, while others do not.
For instance, neither the minimum GPA nor the Harvard GPL requirements are mentioned in the application requirements for Harvard.
However, the average college GPA is 4.18 on a 5.0 scale. So if you want to go to Harvard, this is where your college GPA should drop.
To ensure your application is on the right track, it is recommended to check the average GPA for admissions to each school.
Finally, some schools require an undergraduate GPA.
There are also GPA specifications for residents and non-residents, in some schools. the UC admissions program lists different thresholds for California residents and non-residents.
The UC GPA requirement is 3.0 for California residents and 3.4 for non-residents. So check the list of GPA requirements carefully to see if each school you’re applying to has a minimum GPA requirement.
Some schools accept a 1.7 GPA. Click here for more: Is a 1.7 GPA Good? Colleges That Accept a 1.7 GPA
Is a 3.8 GPA Good?
A 3.8 is close to the highest possible GPA on a 4.0 scale. It shows that you got A’s and B’s most of the time in high school and that you worked hard and were bright.
This puts you in a strong position to get into many colleges of your choice and is sure to catch the eye of many college admissions officers.
Any graduate program will appreciate a 3.8 GPA. This shows that you have demonstrated proficiency in your field of study and have extensive training opportunities prior to joining the program.
If you have a 3.8 GPA and need information about your grades and acceptance, see which colleges allow you to get in easily with a 3.8 GPA.
Specifically, the national average GPA is around 3.0, so a 3.8 puts you above the national average.
Remember that a 3.0 national average reflects all students, not just those applying to college. As a result, the average GPA of students admitted to the university is higher than the national average.
If you want to know the lifespan of the GRE, here we go: How Long Are GRE Scores Valid?
Is a 3.8 GPA Good for College Admissions?
With a 3.8 GPA, you are off to a good start on your course. If you can challenge yourself enough, you are welcome to go into your field of interest.
Your GPA can change significantly after your freshman year, but if you want to know where you stand, browse to find the schools you’re interested in and review your admissions options.
If you have a 3.8 GPA, it means you did well in most classes and got good grades. If you are able to maintain or exceed a 3.8 GPA as a freshman, you will gain admission to several select schools.
If you have a good GPA throughout high school, getting into college should be easy, except for certain colleges that have strict standards.
Is a 3.8 GPA good for Grad School?
It depends on the type of school you choose and how competitive it is.
Most graduate schools require at least a 3.0 GPA, but lower-tier universities accept students with a 2.5+ GPA.
In contrast, elite universities such as Harvard, Stanford, and MIT have high GPA expectations (at least 3.5+, with an average GPA typically of 3.8).
It depends on the type of education you are looking for.
More prestigious or popular college majors, such as computer science or business administration, will have higher GPA expectations.
For example, an MBA at your dream school may require a minimum GPA of 3.5, even if other programs at the same school do not. It even depends on your profile type and your experience.
But to generalize and give a rough estimate: a good GPA is between 3.0 and 3.5. The best graduate schools and their top-notch programs are much more valuable. For example, institutions like Harvard and Stanford often offer courses with a GPA of 3.5 and above.
It is common practice to call the department and ask what their current expectations are for an admitted student’s GPA or test scores. Browse their website and learn more about their current Ph.D. students. You can even contact them to see if anyone wants to chat with them via email or a quick phone call.
Their websites indicate that some schools also have minimum GPA requirements for graduate programs. That’s why it’s important to research any program you’re interested in to understand the GPA expectations or requirements and analyze where you compare.
This is the only way to determine if your GPA is good enough for the school. This research can also help you narrow down your target schools and get a clearer picture of which schools you should apply to.
Is a 3.8 GPA Good for Middle School?
Yes, a 3.8 GPA is good for middle school.
Your 3.8 GPA should remain the same until you apply to a middle school. With this GPA, you have a high chance of getting accepted into different schools.
If you are already planning where to apply, check your options properly to see if you have a good chance of being accepted.
Is a 3.8 GPA Good for High School?
Yes, a 3.8 GPA is good for high school. In fact, it is an excellent grade point average and will have various schools beckoning on you for high school admission.
On the other hand, GPA is subjective, so it’s hard to say whether it’s “good” or “bad.” Because standards vary from school to school, colleges are more likely to consider your performance in classes and grades.
Let’s say you want to know how you compare to freshmen. In this case, a class with an average GPA of 3.8 can be considered a target school, while high schools with a higher average GPA have a greater impact.
GPA is also only one factor that affects your chances of admission. Universities will consider many other components of your application, such as:
- Leisure activities
- Participation in community services
- Membership in social good clubs
- Sportsmanship
- Extracurricular activities
That’s not to say your GPA doesn’t matter, but colleges consider other things.
What Letter Grade is a 3.8 GPA?
We are assuming you just got informed that your GPA is 3.8 and you need to clarify what that means.
Let’s analyze it.
A cumulative GPA of 3.8 is equivalent to an A on a 4.0 grading scale. This means that it corresponds to 90-92%.
The national average is 3.0, meaning a score of 3.8 is well above average. Since 3.8 is already so high, it may be difficult to raise it, but with hard work and dedication, it is possible!
A 3.8 Grade Point Average (GPA) is the numerical representation of an “A” letter grade on a 4.0 scale. Your cumulative grade point average of 3.8 indicates that you have earned “A” averages and excellent grades in your courses.
Converting 3.8 GPA to Percentage: A Comprehensive Guide
Different schools use different systems to convert your grades into a GPA.
Sometimes they consider the difficulty of your classes, sometimes they treat all classes the same.
Below are typical conversion scales for unweighted GPA.
| s/n | Percent | GradeLetter | Grade on a 4.0 Scale |
| 1. | 97-100 | A+ | 4.0 |
| 2. | 93-96 | A | 4.0 |
| 3. | 90-92 | A- | 3.7 |
| 4. | 87-89 | B+ | 3.3 |
| 5. | 83-86 | B | 3.0 |
| 6. | 80-82 | B- | 2.7 |
| 7. | 77-79 | C+ | 2.3 |
| 8. | 73-76 | C | 2.0 |
| 9. | 70-72 | C- | 1.7 |
| 10. | 65-66 | D+ | 1.3 |
| 11. | < 65 | F | 0.0 |
Top 7 Colleges That Accept a 3.2 GPA
A 3.8 is below the generally accepted average for Harvard or Ivy League schools. This is because IVY league schools use a 5.0 GPA rating.
However, these elite universities admit only a handful of 3.8 students per year. You must excel in other areas, including very good SAT, ACT, AP scores, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and a persuasive essay.
Below is an estimated 3.8 GPA and chances of admission to the Ivy League and other prestigious colleges and universities.
- Harvard – 4.0 average GPA / 2.5% chance
- Princeton – Average GPA 3.93 / 3.0% chance
- Yale – average GPA 3.95 / 3.6% chance
- University of Pennsylvania – Average GPA 3.95 / 4.3% chance
- Dartmouth – Average GPA 3.9 / 4.8% chance
- Brown – Average GPA 3.94 / 4.4% chance
- Cornell University – 3.9 average GPA / 7.3% chance
Is a 3.8 GPA Good for Scholarships?
With a 3.8 GPA, you are eligible for most scholarships.
Some require a 4.0 GPA, but that’s rare!
It’s a good idea to apply for as many scholarships as possible to offset tuition costs, especially incidentals for books, food, and dormitories.
The following scholarships accept 3.8 as the application requirement.
1. Alpha Gamma Rho Scholarship
The Alpha Gamma Rho scholarship is open to all first-year students pursuing a master’s degree in:
- Agriculture
- Nutrition
- Fiber
- Life sciences
- Natural resources
- Forestry
- Environment, or
- An agriculture-related field.
It is also open to those who plan to pursue a career in these fields.
Students transferring to CSU with fewer than 60 credits are considered eligible freshmen.
2. Lewis C. The Hoffman Scholarship
Lewis C. The Hoffman Scholarship is offered by the Ceramic Society of America.
This scholarship is open to undergraduate students in Ceramics/Materials Science and Engineering.
Applicants must be juniors or seniors who have completed at least 70 semesters or an equivalent course of study at the time of application.
3. Ralph Modzeski Scholarship
The Ralph Modzeski Scholarship is offered by the Polish American Engineers Association (PAEA)
To apply, you must be an engineering or architecture student at a 4-year college or university.
Graduates in engineering or architecture can also apply. Applicants must be in their second year at the time of application.
PAEA is a regional organization with members located in the Midwest. Therefore, preference is given to students who are
(a) permanent residents of Illinois and
(b) Midwestern colleges or universities (Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio only).
Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic performance and commitment to engineering.
How Does a 3.2 GPA affect my Career Prospects?
After graduation, you can apply for a job that matches your qualifications. This discussion about GPA and career prospects may make you wonder if potential employers are hiring because of your GPA.
First, a high GPA indicates a candidate’s intelligence and work ethic. Employers can assume that these candidates are likely to have these characteristics when they are hired.
The other side of the argument is that a high or low GPA doesn’t matter in real work situations. This belief is based on the fact that college grades do not necessarily determine an applicant’s ability to function in a corporate environment.
Many large companies, such as Google, have announced that they will no longer consider a candidate’s GPA when hiring.
These companies care more about your education or experience than your grades in school.
Frequently Asked Questions
A cumulative grade point average of 3.8 equates to an A on a 4.0 scale, or 90% to 92%.
The national average is 3.0, meaning a score of 3.8 is well above average.
Your GPA can never guarantee you a place at a school, but a good GPA can strengthen your application.
If the average GPA of admitted students is below 3.8, your GPA is considered more competitive at that school.
A 3.8 GPA is considered relatively high compared to most high school students with a 3.0 average.
Whether a 3.8 GPA will get you into Harvard depends on your remaining questions.
Although Harvard is a highly competitive school, high test scores and a well-rounded profile can increase your chances of admission.
But if you plan to get into Harvard, you’ll need to improve your GPA even more.
There is no reason not to apply to “affordable” schools. After all, you can still get admitted with a slightly lower GPA than the average admitted student.
However, you need to make sure that you are applying to schools that are most likely to be accepted with your current GPA.
Conclusion
Finally, GPA can give you insight into your academic ability. However, it is important to remember that many high-achieving adults struggled in high school.
How universities recognize a course discipline varies from school to school. They take that number and put it into context by noting your class rank, how you did with your classmates, and the difficulty of the course.
That said, a college GPA can show your current academic strengths to some extent, but it’s only part of the picture.
A 3.8 GPA is good, but you can strive to be better.