Common Data Set · Section C7

Which colleges consider academic GPA in admissions?

Of the 143 colleges with Common Data Set filings in Trajecta's dataset, 130 rate academic GPA very important in their admissions decisions, 8 rate it important, 5 considered, and 0 say it is not considered — as self-reported in each school's CDS section C7 ("Academic GPA").

What "Academic GPA" means

Academic GPA is your high school grade point average. Many colleges recalculate it around core academic courses (English, math, science, social studies, language) and consider both weighted and unweighted versions alongside your transcript’s grade trend. On the Common Data Set it is one of the most consistently top-rated factors.

Very Important130 colleges, sorted by Trajecta rank

Show 118 more colleges

Important8 colleges, sorted by Trajecta rank

Considered5 colleges, sorted by Trajecta rank

Not Considered0 colleges

Academic GPA: frequently asked questions

Do colleges look at weighted or unweighted GPA?

Usually both, and many recalculate their own. Admissions offices see your full transcript, so they evaluate the grades themselves alongside course rigor rather than trusting any single GPA number. A weighted GPA is only meaningful next to the courses that produced it.

Is GPA the most important factor in college admissions?

It is one of the most important, but rarely alone: most colleges rate GPA and course rigor together at the top of their Common Data Set C7 grid, because the difficulty of your classes is what gives the GPA meaning.

Which colleges consider academic GPA in admissions?

Of the 143 colleges with Common Data Set filings in Trajecta's dataset, 130 rate academic GPA very important in admissions, 8 rate it important, 5 considered, and 0 say it is not considered. Colleges rating it very important include Princeton University, Stanford University, Rice University, Yale University, Johns Hopkins University.

Other admission factors

Rigor of secondary school record Class rank Standardized test scores Application essay Recommendation(s)Interview Extracurricular activities Talent/ability Character/personal qualities First generation Alumni/ae relation Geographical residence State residency Religious affiliation/commitment Volunteer work Work experience Level of applicant's interest

All admission factors

Ratings are self-reported by each college in its Common Data Set, section C7. Every school links to its full data page. Explore the college rankings →