As you might expect of the Ivy League average GPA is rather higher than that of the student bodies of other universities and colleges, even more, Ivy League schools are colleges with highest SAT scores. If you’re a good student, there’s no reason why you couldn’t become a fully fledged member of this elite group of universities. Apply expert advice to everything you do and you’ll go very far indeed.
The Ivy League comprises some of the most prestigious universities in the world, let alone in the United States. If you have even a remote chance of acceptance, it’s really worth trying as hard as you can to achieve such a lofty goal.

What Is the Ivy League?
There are eight universities which comprise the Ivy League, hence their alternative name of the Ancient Eight. Although the constituent institutions are known for their strict admissions criteria and subsequently the caliber of their students and an associated level of elevated prestige, the term actually refers to a collegiate athletic conference.
These eight highly regarded universities rank in the top 15 colleges according to the national rankings listed by the U.S. News & World Report 2017. As you would expect, this makes their admission rates extremely low, ranging from 6.04% for Columbia to 13.96% for Cornell. What’s more, they seem to accept mostly students from New England and the Northeastern United States, which is their backyard after all.
In full, the eight Ivy League universities are:
- Brown University;
- Columbia University;
- Cornell University;
- Dartmouth College;
- Harvard University;
- The University of Pennsylvania;
- Princeton University, and
- Yale University.
What’s the Average GPA for Ivy League Universities?
Of course, the average GPA for Ivy League institutions is much higher than you can expect of almost any other university in any field of study. It’s worth knowing what you’re up against if you hope to be in with a chance of getting higher education from one of these mighty schools.
When it comes to average GPA Ivy League starts with Cornell University with a score of 3.862. If you’re applying to university and want to crack the Ivy League, this is the easiest it gets, owing to Cornell’s relatively high admission rate. That’s to say, not so easy after all.
As for the average GPA in Harvard, you’re looking at a score of 3.83. As one of the most well-known universities around the world, Harvard is a real tough nut to crack without the right advice. Check out our top tips below and see if you can cut the mustard.
If you thought the average GPA in Harvard was high, Columbia University boasts an even better average of 3.84. Make sure you study up if you want to stand a chance here.
Yale average GPA is yet higher again at a shocking 3.866 and it also has one of the highest SAT scores in the country. Even if the Yale average GPA is slightly out of reach for you, follow the advice in this article to make the best impression on the admission committee.
The fourth highest average GPA Ivy League can boast of is that belonging to Dartmouth College. Their students have an average of 3.88 which is quite the benchmark, to say the least.
The third highest GPA average belongs to an institution that also, bizarrely, has r second-lowest SAT average among the Ivy League schools. Brown University GPA is a massive 3.885 but it has SAT average of 2155, a still respectable number but lower than is typical of the Ivy League.
Brown University GPA is beaten, only just, by the Princeton average GPA which was last measured at 3.89. This seems to have deterred a number of people as the Princeton average GPA has left this prestigious university with the second-lowest number of applicants among Ivy League colleges.
The average GPA of the University of Pennsylvania is highest among all the Ivy League colleges. Its average is a seemingly unbeatable 3.93.
Top Tips for Your Application
When it comes to your college application, there’s no one better to ask than college counselors like Kat Cohen of IvyWise, who has guided students through this maze of the highest difficulty. There are a lot of misconceptions and it’s time bust a few myths and make this arduous process a little easier on you.
- You will be graded according to a standard based on the performance of previous applicants to your field of study. This allows admissions staff to put a number of things that usually can’t be measured properly. As such, you can still succeed if one part of your application doesn’t hold water, as long as the rest holds up to the benchmark they’ve set.
- Stop worrying about your class rank. High schools are by no means standardized and universities recognize that it’s a false comparison to make. The best thing you can do is to study for the most difficult classes you qualify to attend.
- Avoid trying to stand out in an awkward or unorthodox way. It’s more than likely that your plan will backfire so trying to be too clever with your admission essay or handing in documents that aren’t on the list of requirements is an absolute don’t.
Looking solely at Ivy League average GPA is probably making you break out into a sweat. However, it doesn’t have to be this way at all. Of course, the application process is difficult but you can consider it a double challenge when you follow the right advice from those in the know. Take everything into consideration when you complete your application and make sure you study hard. But still, you should remember there are certain medical schools that accept low MCAT scores.