After my first year of CC, I got a 3.3 GPA. After doing some research into some good schools (Cornell, USC, NYU, etc.) they have higher GPA “averages” than a 3.3. I say average because I don’t have to get the average. Will good schools consider upward trends in GPA? Say like next year I get a 4.0 (hypothetically speaking I suppose)??
Schools usually LOVE upward trends. It shows academic growth. If you manage to get a cumulative 4.0 next year, and boost your GPA to a 3.65, that shows a lot.
HOWEVER, a 3.65 is still a bit low for a Cornell / USC applicant. While academic growth is a big help, if you can’t meet the dead average college GPA of admitted applicants, then growth will not save you.
3.65 shouldn’t be too bad for a USC applicant if you’re strong in the other areas as well.