Colleges for a 2.7 GPA
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 sophomores, 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.
Build a balanced list (safety, match, reach)
Learn how to build a reach, match, and safety list.
What colleges look at besides a 2.7 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:
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2.7 GPA FAQs
Is a 2.7 GPA enough for selective colleges?
Not typically, but never say never. A 2.7 GPA can make a student competitive at many colleges that are less selective, but more selective schools usually expect a higher GPA. Course rigor, essays, activities, and recommendations can all matter in the final decision.
Can you get into a good college with a 2.7 GPA?
Maybe. A 2.5 GPA is not typically strong enough to be competitive at many well-regarded colleges and universities, but there could still be a chance if the rest of the application is solid.
Should you submit test scores with a 2.7 GPA?
It depends on the college and the score. Students should compare their scores with each college’s admitted-student range and testing policy before deciding. NACAC reports that test scores still matter at some schools, but they rank below grades and curriculum strength overall.
Is a 2.7 GPA weighted or unweighted?
It can be either. The number alone does not explain the scale, so students should check how their high school calculates GPA and how colleges review transcripts.
Can a student with a 2.7 GPA get rejected?
Yes. No GPA guarantees admission. Colleges evaluate more than one part of the application, especially at selective schools.
Explore Colleges for Every GPA with Appily
Ready to explore colleges that accept a GPA like yours? We have a comprehensive database to help you find and research schools. There, you can see essential data points like acceptance rate, average financial aid award, average test scores, and application deadlines, including those for rolling admission, early decision, and early action schools.
