* High school coursework: The rigor of your high school classes (e.g., taking AP, IB, or honors courses) is crucial.
* Standardized test scores: While the University of Missouri is test-optional, submitting strong SAT or ACT scores can strengthen your application.
* Class rank: Your ranking within your graduating class provides context to your GPA.
* Extracurricular activities: Demonstrating involvement and leadership in extracurriculars showcases your well-roundedness.
* Essays and letters of recommendation: These provide a personal perspective on your abilities and character.
* Major: Admission requirements can vary slightly depending on the program you're applying to.
While the university doesn't publish a minimum GPA, successful applicants generally have a GPA above a 3.0, and many admitted students have GPAs significantly higher than that. A higher GPA significantly increases your chances of admission, especially for competitive programs.
To get a better sense of the GPA of admitted students, you should check the university's common data set (CDS) which usually provides ranges of GPA for incoming freshman classes. You can also contact the admissions office directly for more specific information.