A grade point average (GPA) measures your academic performance by taking the average of all final grades throughout your high school career. A GPA of 2.8 equates to a B- average and is just below a straight B average.
Is a 2.8 GPA Good?
Because a 2.8 is two-tenths of a point from a B average, a 2.8 GPA indicates several above-average grades and that your performance on homework and exams was up to par. With a 2.8 GPA, several colleges will consider your application, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Remember that the national average GPA for graduating high school students is 3.0, and reaching that threshold will make you a more competitive candidate.
What Colleges Can I Apply to With a 2.8 GPA?
Because a 2.8 GPA is so close to the 3.0 benchmark, many schools accept submissions from students with a GPA in this range. We’ve compiled a sample list of these schools to consider below. A 2.8 GPA does not guarantee admission, but each of these colleges and universities has a demonstrated history of admitting students with a GPA in the 2.8-2.9 range.
If you’re a freshman or sophom*ore, a 2.8 GPA is a good start. Since it’s in solid grade B territory, it indicates a certain level of understanding in all courses. For a more competitive edge during the college application process in two or so years, you’ll want to edge up into the 3.0-3.5 range, which is entirely doable as both a freshman and a sophom*ore. One of the easiest ways to improve your GPA is by analyzing your study habits—if you can create a good foundation for studying, it’ll help throughout your entire academic career.
As for juniors, it’s more difficult to improve your GPA this year because there’s another aspect of your academic career to think about— standardized testing. Both GPA and ACT/SAT scores are equally considered when applying to college, so sacrificing one for the other won’t work. If you’re determined to hit that 3.0 competitiveness benchmark, it’s 100% still doable at this point. There won’t be any cushion for gradually improving grades, so immediately approach teachers in the subjects you’re struggling with the most and get their advice. There’s a chance they have office hours or can tutor during study hall. Don’t forget to take advantage of ACT and/or SAT practice tests; it never hurts to take a prep class if possible!
For seniors, it’s important to remember that a 2.8 GPA means that you’re qualified to apply to several colleges and universities. While it’s too late to see a sizable leap forward from a 2.8 GPA, the wise move is to focus on other aspects of your application, such as your personal essay. Crafting a compelling personal essay and essay responses (if requested) is crucial to making your application stand out.
To give yourself another leg up, you can retake the ACT or SAT in time to submit improved scores with your application. If you’re really intent on improving your GPA, it’s possible to achieve a 2.9, but it would require a straight-A+ semester. Again, though, even if that doesn’t work out, focus your attention on making your application as strong as possible, from the essay to the list of after-school activities. A well-crafted application will give you a competitive chance for admission to several colleges and universities.
What Are Colleges Looking At Other Than a 2.8 High School GPA?
Colleges want to get to know students holistically before accepting them to their institution. It’s not just about GPA and standardized testing, though they do play important roles. Be more than numbers to the college admissions office, and include any (or all) of the following:
- SAT Scores / ACT Scores
- Extracurricular/After-school activities
- Your Sports
- Application Essays
- Volunteer Work / Community Service
- Jobs / Internships / Special Projects
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 2.8 GPA in high school considered good?
Rather than looking at this as “good” or “bad,” we recommend looking at GPAs based on opportunities provided. The average GPA for graduating high school students is 3.0, which is a GPA that many colleges look for when choosing students. A 2.8 GPA is good enough to apply to many institutions, but to broaden how many colleges and universities you’re eligible for, a 3.0 would be a great goal!
What colleges can I get into with a 2.8 GPA?
You can apply to many institutions, including Texas Southern University, Northeastern Illinois University, and Grambling State University, which accept students with an average GPA of 2.8. Check out all of your options and make a well-proportioned list with likely, target, and reach institutions!
What percentile is a 2.8 GPA?
A 2.8 GPA, or B- letter grade, is a percentile of 83, meaning your average grade throughout high school is a B-.
What scholarships can you get with a 2.8 GPA?
While you may find that some scholarships require a 3.0 or higher to apply, many have GPA requirements of 2.5 or higher. Alternatively, many don’t require a GPA at all. You can find a variety of scholarships in our database, so apply to as many as you can! They can really help offset the cost of tuition.
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