If you’re thinking about furthering your education, you may be looking for colleges that accept 3.2 GPA.
There are many factors at play during high school, and perhaps your GPA wasn’t as high as you expected it to be. There are many schools that accept 3.2 GPA, though, which is above the national average.
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You can read on to learn more about your GPA standing and the other factors that impact the college application process.
Colleges That Accept 3.2 GPA
Your GPA, or grade point average, communicates to colleges how you performed in high school. A 3.2 GPA means you earned an average of B and B+ scores. The national average GPA is 3.0, so your performance is currently above average.
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So, how do you decide which colleges with 3.2 GPA requirements to apply to? The answer is in the admissions requirements. In the application process, it’s strategic to apply to reach schools, match schools, and safety schools.
Reach Schools
A reach school is one that generally accepts students with a higher minimum GPA than your own, so it may be more of a reach to get into.
While your grades may not be ideal for a reach school, you have the option of applying to these programs based on the strength of your other application details. After all, your GPA is just one piece of the puzzle.
Other admission materials may include essays, personal statements, standardized test scores, and letters of recommendation.
You can also reach out to an admissions representative or program director to determine if there are any additional items you can submit to boost your chances of admission. It’s helpful to remember that each college may have different requirements.
Match Schools
A match school is considered a school where your grades, academic performance, skills, and interests are aligned with the program requirements. If the recommended GPA is 3.2 or lower, you can apply to this school knowing that you have made the grade.
It’s beneficial to remember, though, that a GPA match doesn’t guarantee admission. You can check out all of the admission requirements of 3.2 GPA colleges so that you can complete each one thoroughly before you submit your final application.
Safety Schools
A safety school is a school where your grades and academic performance are higher than the standard program requirements.
In some cases, safety schools may not have minimum GPA requirements, or they may look at overall credits when determining which applicants to accept.
Your safety schools may or may not be your first choice for college, but you could always look into transferring into a different school or program once you have completed some initial college coursework.
What Is a 3.2 GPA?
A 3.2 unweighted GPA indicates you’ve received an average of B+ and B grades across your classes, an equivalent of 83% to 86%.
A cumulative GPA, or grade point average, provides a picture of how well you performed in high school. Your grades across all classes will be averaged.
There are two types of grading scales: unweighted and weighted. An unweighted GPA scale ranges from 0.0 to 4.0, and it doesn’t take the difficulty level of your classes into account. On an unweighted scale, a 3.0 is equivalent to a B.
In comparison, a weighted GPA typically goes up to 4.5 or 5.0, and it does weigh the difficulty of your high school classes, such as Advanced Placement (AP) or honors classes. For instance, a C letter grade in a weighted class could still equate to a 3.0.
Many students take a mixture of weighted and unweighted courses, each of which applies differently to their overall GPA.
Is a 3.2 GPA Good Enough for College?
A 3.2 GPA is above the national average of 3.0, and there are many schools that accept applicants with this grade point average.
Each college has the ability to set its own requirements. Often, the admissions data for a school will specify the GPA required for a general application. In some cases, different programs in a college will ask for a different minimum GPA.
Some colleges only look at your performance in high school courses that are relevant to the program or major you’re applying to.
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Before you apply to a program, you can take a look at its requirements. This should be listed on the application, but you can also request an appointment with an admissions director to discuss your qualifications if you have questions.
Can You Raise Your GPA?
If your GPA is lower than what you anticipated or would prefer, you can try to improve upon it before you apply to college.
Raising your GPA often becomes more difficult the further you progress in high school:
- Freshman. As a freshman, you can take a look at your grades to determine where you’re thriving and where you could use some help. You might consider finding a tutor to help you become more comfortable with a subject. Your first year in high school is the most strategic time to start raising your grades.
- Sophomore. This is the halfway point of your high school career, so any lower grades might make more of an impact on your GPA. If you find yourself struggling, you may wish to speak with an academic advisor at your school. You can also consider joining study groups or working with a tutor.
- Junior. While you still have time to raise your grades in your junior year, it will be more difficult for your grades to make an impact on your overall GPA. You might want to focus on preparing for the ACT or SAT to demonstrate your current academic abilities to prospective colleges.
- Senior. During your senior year, you can take advantage of any weighted courses that match your skills and talents. Colleges may also look at your efforts in addition to your results. You can continue to prepare for standardized testing. Higher test scores will help demonstrate your academic capabilities to colleges.
Throughout your academic career, you’ll have opportunities to work on raising your GPA. It’s strategic to ask for assistance when you find your grades slipping.
Other College Admissions Requirements
While your GPA can be a primary factor that colleges and universities consider when selecting students, it is certainly not the only admissions requirement.
Here are some of the things you might be asked to provide in your college application:
- ACT or SAT scores (only some schools require them). While your GPA includes your performance in every class in each semester of your high school career, standardized testing indicates your ability to demonstrate a variety of skills in a high-pressure situation.
- Letters of recommendation. A letter of recommendation from a teacher, mentor, tutor, or even employer can provide an admissions panel with more personal insight into your character and academic performance than your GPA.
- Personal statement. Your personal statement allows you to express your intentions, your goals, and your passion for the program or major you wish to study.
- Work experience. Balancing work and school simultaneously requires a lot of organization and dedication. Sharing your work experience can demonstrate to an admissions panel that you are able to handle various responsibilities.
Each school will likely have different requirements and deadlines, so it’s beneficial to read each admissions page carefully before starting your applications. The different aspects of your application packet give you the opportunity to display your strengths and capabilities.
What Is a Good GPA in College?
Many colleges grade on a 4.0 system, so a 3.2 college GPA means you’ve earned an average of B+ and B grades. This is slightly above the national average of 3.0.
Your grades in college can impact your chances of transferring to another school, applying for financial aid, or pursuing graduate school. More selective schools may ask for a higher GPA, but the exact requirements vary from college to college.
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It’s helpful to remember that schools will be looking at more than just your GPA. They may also consider your participation in clubs, extracurricular activities, and volunteer or work experience, for instance.
What Colleges Can I Get Into with a 3.2 GPA?
Colleges and universities across the country have different requirements for admissions. Overall, a 3.2 GPA can often help you qualify for a number of opportunities.
You may want to consult the admissions requirements for each of your prospective schools and then consider whether each option is a reach, match, or safety school. It’s strategic to apply to a few reach and safety schools, though it’s beneficial for a majority of your applications to go to match schools.
You can also reach out to admissions counselors or your current school counselor to learn more about universities that accept a 3.2 GPA. Your school counselor may provide you with options to gain more academic experience as well.
Can I Get a Scholarship with a 3.2 GPA?
For some schools, a GPA has less influence on admissions and more influence on merit-based financial assistance. The grants and scholarships available might be directly correlated to an applicant’s high school GPA.
A 3.2 GPA is above the requirements for many financial aid programs, including federal financial aid. This means you might also be eligible to receive need-based assistance to help pay for college. Each school will have different requirements for the various scholarships they offer.
You may also wish to look for scholarships that are offered through community funds, clubs, organizations, or your place of employment.
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Some scholarships may have different requirements, such as volunteer work or the completion of an essay. It’s beneficial to research and complete each scholarship application carefully.
Best Colleges That Accept a 3.2 GPA Admission
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format. In addition, the universities accept 3.2 GPA as part of the admission requirements.
Barry University does not have a stated minimum GPA for general admission, though students should consult their desired program. Individual majors may have their own admission requirements or process.
For general admission, students who hold a high school GPA of 2.3 or higher may request to withhold their standardized test scores.
Barry University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Undergraduate applicants who have graduated from high school within the last five years and have fewer than 30 college credits are considered freshmen. To be considered for admission, freshmen must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and 480 Reading and 440 Math scores on the SAT or a 17 in English, Reading, and Math on the ACT.
Columbus State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
To be eligible for admission to Humboldt State University, applicants who attended high school in California must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.5 in their core preparatory courses. Nonresidents must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students who do not meet these thresholds may still be considered based on other qualifications.
Humboldt State University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Indiana State University uses a holistic review process to determine admission, but applicants are generally expected to have a high school GPA of at least 2.5 (or GED equivalent). Students who do not meet this requirement will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Provisional admission may be offered to students who hold a minimum high school GPA of 2.0, though their final GPA must be confirmed via official transcripts upon graduating. In addition to the GPA requirement, applicants must provide their test scores, achieving at least a composite score of 20 on the ACT or 1030 on the SAT.
Jacksonville State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
To be considered for admission to Kennesaw State University, applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher in the required 17 units of preparatory coursework. They must also have a minimum score of 18 in English and Math on the ACT or minimum 500 Reading and 490 Math scores on the SAT.
The admission thresholds may be higher for specific programs.
Kennesaw State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Applicants need not provide test scores if they ranked in the top half of their class, can submit transcripts for review, or have completed at least 18 college credits with a 2.0 GPA. Students unable to meet these requirements must achieve an SAT score of 1080 or an ACT score of 21.
Lamar University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Montclair State University expects students to have a history of high performance in rigorous academic pursuits. It requires all applicants to complete a minimum of 16 units of college preparatory courses.
Most competitive applicants have a minimum GPA of 3.2, and while test scores are not required, they may help strengthen the application.
Montclair State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Students seeking admission to Morehouse College must have a high school diploma, a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher, and at least 15 college credits prior to applying. Test scores are not required, but students must include a personal statement and two recommendation letters in their application.
Morehouse College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Norfolk State University asks students to submit their official high school transcripts to be considered along with their admission applications. There is no minimum GPA threshold for freshman students, but transfer students must have held at least a 2.0 GPA in their previous college courses.
Applicants must also submit a personal essay to be considered for scholarships.
Norfolk State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
To be considered for admission to North Carolina Central University, applicants must have a high school GPA of 2.5 or higher, an ACT score of 19, or an SAT score of 1010. Regardless of which qualification the student meets, their final official high school transcripts must be submitted upon graduating.
North Carolina Central University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Northern Illinois University requires students to have completed 4 years of English, 2 years of a foreign language or fine arts, and 3 years each of math, science, and social studies.
For most programs, students who have achieved a GPA of 3.0 or higher are guaranteed admission, but students who do not meet this threshold may still be considered.
Northern Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Radford University is a test-optional school, though students may submit standardized test scores if they feel it will strengthen their applicant profile.
Rather than instituting any minimum score or GPA thresholds for admission, Radford considers each student’s holistic qualifications to determine if they are a good fit for the institution.
Radford University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Sam Houston State University automatically admits any applicant with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants with GPA scores below 3.0 need to meet minimum ACT or SAT scores to qualify for automatic admission. The test scores required is dependent on the applicant’s exact GPA.
The applications of those who do not wish to submit test scores are reviewed holistically.
Sam Houston State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Sonoma State University has waived mandatory standardized test score submissions until fall 2023. Instead, eligibility for admission is determined based on the completion of the required college preparatory courses and GPA. California residents must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, while nonresident students need a 3.0 or higher.
Sonoma State University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Applicants have assured admission to Texas Woman’s University if they graduated from a regionally accredited Texas high school and ranked in the top 25% of their class. All other students need to have finished high school with a GPA of 2.0 or higher, ranked in the top half of their class, and met the minimum SAT or ACT score.
Texas Woman’s University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Freshmen students who have completed high school, hold a GPA of 3.0, and have a composite score of 21 on the ACT or 1080 on the SAT qualify for admission to Tuskegee University. Transfer students must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher GPA and at least 12 college credits.
Tuskegee University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Illinois—Chicago takes high school performance, essays, choice of major, and test scores into account when reviewing student applications. There are no minimum requirements for GPA or test scores, but most majors prefer students to have a GPA of 2.8 or higher.
Additional requirements may apply for international, home-schooled, or honors students.
The University of Illinois – Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Nevada—Las Vegas has multiple options for qualifying for admission. Applicants must have a score of 1120 on the SAT, a score of 22 on the ACT, a Nevada Advanced High School Diploma, or a GPA of 3.0 in the 13 required core preparatory courses.
The University of Nevada—Las Vegas is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Eligibility for admission to the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee is determined based on graduation from high school, completion of the preparatory curriculum, and academic ability. Academic ability is determined by either the applicant’s high school GPA or standardized test scores.
Applicants’ personal accomplishments, experiences, and talents are also considered during the application review.
The University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your College Degree Online
There are many universities that accept 3.2 GPA. If you research a few different programs and schools that interest you, you may find that their admissions requirements vary.
Your grade point average is only one reflection of your high school or pre-collegiate career. Your college application is a more complete portrait of who you are as a student and a person. The materials included in your application packet can help schools understand who you are beyond your GPA.
A 3.2 GPA is above the national average, which means you may have plenty of options available to you. The sooner you start exploring accredited universities, the sooner you can begin applying to your reach, match, and safety schools.
