* The college: Highly selective schools like Harvard or MIT will expect GPAs significantly higher than less selective colleges.
* Your major: Some programs, especially in STEM fields at competitive universities, often have higher GPA expectations.
* Your overall application: Colleges consider much more than just GPA. Factors like standardized test scores (if required), extracurricular activities, essays, letters of recommendation, and demonstrated interest all play a role. A strong application in other areas can sometimes compensate for a slightly lower GPA.
While some colleges might have a minimum GPA requirement (sometimes unofficially), it's usually quite low and is rarely the deciding factor. A high GPA significantly increases your chances of admission, particularly at competitive schools. However, a lower GPA doesn't automatically disqualify you if the rest of your application is impressive.