What is the GPA requirement for CMU?

Answer 1

The average GPA for incoming freshmen at CMU is a 3.7. There is no actual requirement, of course. So there are students getting in with GPAs above a 3.7 and those with GPAs below a 3.7 as well.

Of course, GPA should not be the only thing you're focusing on when applying to CMU (or ANY school). Because, your high school GPA doesn't matter.

Yes, I said it. Your GPA doesn't matter.

OK, so it DOES matter a bit, of course. But colleges want more than a high GPA or great test scores. Especially in light of the recent update from Harvard (and many other schools) that says they want more than just a high GPA.

They are looking for PEOPLE, not profiles. They want students who are actively involved with their communities and the things they care about, and who are going to contribute to their campus community as well.

So you should absolutely be focusing on your grades and make sure to keep those up. But don't focus exclusively on your classes. Don't take ALL AP classes, at the expense of other things, just because you think that is what the schools want to see. Because what they want to see is a student who is challenging himself in school, while also doing OTHER things as well - not a student who has great grades in easy classes and nothing else to show for themselves