GPA stands for Grade Point Average, and is designed to measure academic achievement in the US. There are two types of GPAs — weighted and unweighted. We will work primarily with unweighted GPAs. Grade Point Average is an important part of college admissions and most colleges have a minimum GPA requirement for acceptance.
The more selective the school, the higher the expectation there is for a high GPA. Having a good GPA also offers better odds for acceptance into a broader range of institutions, so it’s in students’ best interest to continually work at increasing their GPA.
What Letter Grade is a 2.0 GPA?
A 2.0 GPA, or grade point average, is considered a “C” grade, or 75%. It indicates that your average letter grade in all of your high school classes up until this point have been Cs.
Is A 2.0 GPA Good?
A “C” is considered average, so does that mean a 2.0 is average? While good and bad are relative concepts, the national average GPA for graduating high school students is 3.0, making that the competitive benchmark for entrance into college. If that’s the goal, to have tons of options for higher education, a 2.0 GPA won’t result in that. Unofficially, 2.0 is the lowest GPA accepted into a standard college, so while there’s a chance that college admission is possible, it’s not likely at more than a few institutions.
What Colleges Can I Get Into with a 2.0 GPA?
There are a limited number of institutions that may accept students with a 2.0 GPA, and we’ve provided a list below. This list is only a guideline and features institutions that have historically accepted students with a GPA of 2.0-2.1.
If you’re a freshman or sophom*ore, you have time. Take it one-tenth of a GPA at a time. If you’ve been getting a C average in classes, aim for C+. Study more, go for a B-. Improving your grades will improve your GPA and you have the luxury of time to work your way up to a GPA with more options, even a 3.0 if you work hard.
Juniors will find raising their GPA a more challenging task at this point, and reaching a 3.0 GPA won’t be possible. However, aiming for a 2.5 expands college options considerably, so with a lot of studying and determination, there are more options.
For seniors, it won’t be possible to raise your GPA in time for most college submissions significantly. Some deadlines extend into February and March, and there are also rolling admission colleges. So, there’s a chance to move your GPA up a few tenths in the first semester and add a few more college options.
Attending a 2-year college could benefit you, too. Often referred to as a community college, opting to go to school locally for the first two years of college can be a great option for any student since tuition costs are low and many students live at home while attending, saving the cost of room and board. Once you’ve completed those two years, raised your GPA, and are sufficiently ready, you can apply to transfer to the college of your choice based on your new and improved GPA.
What Are Colleges Looking at Other Than a 2.0 High School GPA?
Why GPA plays a big role in college admissions, it’s certainly not the only aspect of your education they’re looking at. They consider the difficulty of the courses you take — regular, honors, or AP courses — as well as sports, activities, and more.
SAT Scores/ACT Scores
Extracurricular/After-school activities
Your Sports
Application Essays
Volunteer Work / Community Service
Jobs / Internships / Special Projects
Tips for College Search and Planning with a 2.0 GPA
Highlight Strengths in Your Applications
- Highlight Strengths:Emphasize any strong subjects, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or other areas where you excel.
- Explain Your GPA:Use your personal statement or essay to explain your GPA, if there were extenuating circ*mstances, and, more importantly, to showcase your passion, resilience, and readiness for college.
Improve Your Academic Profile
- Summer Courses:Consider taking community college courses over the summer to boost your academic credentials and demonstrate your ability to handle college-level work.
Maximize Extracurriculars
- Leadership and Involvement:Active participation in extracurricular activities, especially in leadership roles, can significantly strengthen your application.
Apply to a Range of Schools
- Safety, Match, and Reach Schools:Apply to a mix of colleges where your chances of admission vary, including somewhere you exceed the average profile of admitted students.
Meet with a College Counselor
- Professional Guidance:A college counselor can provide personalized advice and help you navigate the college application process, including selecting schools that fit your profile well.
Explore All Potential Options
- Community Colleges:These institutions often have open admissions policies, meaning they accept all students who apply, making them a great option for students with lower GPAs.
State Universities:Some state universities have more flexible admission criteria and may offer provisional or conditional admission programs.
Trade Schools:A trade school, or a vocational or technical school,provides hands-on training for trades and skilled occupations. Trade schools typically offer a variety of programs that can prepare you for careers in fields such as construction, automotive repair, welding, cosmetology, culinary arts, and more.
