On a 4.0 scale, a 4.0 is a perfect GPA, 3.5 and above is considered strong, 3.0 is solid (roughly a B average), and 2.0 is usually the minimum required to stay in good standing or graduate. What counts as 'good' also depends on your goals: competitive colleges often look for 3.7 or higher.

Yes. A 3.5 GPA is a strong, above-average result, roughly an A-/B+ average, and is competitive for most colleges and scholarships, though the most selective schools may look for 3.8 or higher.

Guide

What Is a Good GPA?

Q: What is the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?

Unweighted GPA caps at 4.0 for every class. Weighted GPA adds bonus points for harder courses, typically +1.0 for AP or IB and +0.5 for Honors, so a weighted GPA can exceed 4.0.

Short answer: on a 4.0 scale, 4.0 is perfect, 3.5+ is strong, 3.0 is solid, and 2.0 is usually the minimum to stay in good standing. But "good" depends on your goals — here's the full picture.

GPA at a glance

GPA (4.0 scale)	Roughly	What it means
4.0	A average	Perfect / top of the class
3.7–3.9	A−/A average	Excellent, competitive for selective colleges
3.5–3.6	A−/B+ average	Strong, above average
3.0–3.4	B average	Solid, meets most requirements
2.0–2.9	C average	Passing; aim to raise it
Below 2.0	D/F average	At-risk; usually below good standing

What counts as good depends on your goal

For graduating, most schools require around a 2.0. For most colleges, a 3.0+ keeps you in the running. For selective colleges and scholarships, aim for 3.7+. Context matters too: a 3.6 with a tough AP/IB schedule can be more impressive than a 3.9 in easier classes.

Weighted vs unweighted

Unweighted GPA caps at 4.0 for every class. Weighted GPA adds bonus points for harder courses (typically +1.0 for AP/IB, +0.5 for Honors), so it can go above 4.0. Many high schools report both. Check yours with the free GPA Calculator.

How to raise your GPA

The fastest gains come from not losing easy points: turn everything in on time, prioritize high-weight assignments, and study before tests instead of cramming. That's exactly what IntelliPlan automates — it imports your assignments, ranks them by impact, schedules study time, and models what each grade does to your GPA so you always know where to focus.

Protect your GPA automatically

IntelliPlan tracks your grades and tells you exactly what to focus on. Free for students.

Get Started Free →