Because of the number of colleges and universities, and the fact that each adheres to its own admissions policies, there is no absolute GPA that guarantees acceptance. Rather, colleges and universities consider the GPA in the context of the overall application and the applicant's high school. For example, Harvard "recognizes that schools vary by size, academic program and grading policies, so [they] do not have rigid grade requirements." Harvard does expect, however, that applicants will be in the top 10 to 15 percent of their graduating class. Many colleges follow the same principles: while they want to see a high GPA, it is evaluated relative to the school's environment. According to the well-known college guide Peterson's, however, schools often want a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
When calculating a student's GPA, not all grades are equal. Some coursework is considered more difficult than normal high school classes, and therefore is counted differently. Advanced placement (AP) classes, for example, add extra weight to a letter grade so that students with stellar grades may actually have a GPA above 4.0. Students should check with their high school counselor on how to calculate AP or other advanced classes, and again with selected colleges to see whether or not the college accepts extra points for these classes. Coursework taken outside of the student's high school, such as at a local community college or university, may also be calculated differently on a college application. Depending on the college's admissions procedures, these grades may be given extra weight, or they may be calculated separately.
When working to gain admission to colleges and universities, a student often benefits from achieving the highest GPA. However, admissions offices also seriously consider the difficulty of the class. A student who aces a series of low-level coursework, for example, may not be taken as seriously as a student who challenges herself with more difficult classes, even if the final grade is not as high. Students must delicately balance the level of difficulty with the potential for success. While admissions offices may be happy to see a transcript full of advanced and rigorous coursework, it fails to help the student if she does not do at least moderately well. It is in the student's best interest to find the appropriate level of challenge that will demonstrate ability without sacrificing her GPA.