Is a 3.9 GPA Good?

A 3.9 GPA is an "Excellent" score that signifies near-perfection. It places you in the top 5% of students nationwide and opens doors to every university in the world.

The Short Answer

It is Excellent.

A 3.9 GPA means you are an elite student. You earn A's in virtually every class. You are likely in the top 5% of your class. This score makes you a competitive applicant for Ivy League schools and qualifies you for the highest merit scholarships.

Letter: A
Percentile: ~95th
National Distribution
0.03.9 (You)4.0

Is a 3.9 Good for Your Grade Level?

Middle School

Perfect

Verdict: Yes.
A 3.9 shows total mastery. You are likely finding middle school easy. Challenge yourself by taking high school level math or foreign language classes early if your school offers them.

HS Freshman

Top Tier

Verdict: Excellent.
A 3.9 freshman GPA is as good as it gets. You have set the perfect foundation. If you maintain this while taking AP classes, you will likely be Valedictorian and a top recruit for elite colleges.

College Student

Summa Cum Laude

Verdict: Elite.
A 3.9 in college is incredibly rare. You are performing at the highest level possible. You are a lock for top graduate programs and will likely receive the highest honors your university offers.

Can I get into an Ivy League school with a 3.9?

Yes. A 3.9 GPA puts you right in the target range for Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Stanford. Academically, you are qualified. Admission will come down to your essays, test scores, and unique "hook."

Elite Admissions

Since most applicants to top schools have a 3.9+, you need to differentiate yourself. Focus on leadership, impact in your community, or national-level awards.

Colleges that Accept 3.9 GPA

Safety Schools (Likely Admit)

Penn State
University of Florida
Ohio State

Target Schools (Match)

UCLA
UC Berkeley
University of Michigan
UNC Chapel Hill

Reach Schools (Top Tier)

Harvard
Stanford
MIT
Princeton
Yale

3.9 GPA Conversion

GPALetterPercentile
4.0A99-100%
3.9A95-98%
3.8A-93-95%
3.7A-90-92%
3.5B+87-89%
Percentage
94%

A 3.9 GPA typically equates to a percentage of 94-98% in most US schools.

Aiming for Perfection?

You are so close to a 4.0. Use our calculator to ensure you don't slip up in your final semester.

3.9 GPA Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from high school and college students about a 3.9 GPA.