<p>Not only Berkeley but also other UCs (UCLA, UC Davis, UC SD, UCSB) have very high average entering GPAs. (3.9 or higher). I wonder whether that is due to extraordinary levels of academic achievement in California, or to something more like the Lake Wobegon effect. </p>
<p>Anyway, if you sincerely believe schools like Cornell and JHU belong in your “match” pile, fine. Certainly, they are a bit less selective than Princeton or Harvard. Some students with very high stats do get rejected from private schools less selective than Cornell or JHU. You can read through the sad histories on College Confidential. However, as long as you also apply to at least one true admission and financial safety you’d be happy to attend, you should be o.k. </p>