Free tool
Is my GPA competitive?
Pick a target tier (US Top 25 MS, M7 MBA, Oxbridge, U15 Canada, Go8 Australia, German TU9) and see whether your GPA is above the median, in the 25–75 range, or below the 25th percentile of admits.
Below 25th percentile
Your 3.40 is below the 25th percentile (3.5) for Top-25 US MS (Cornell, UMich, GT, UCLA class). Consider 1-2 tiers down or strong test scores + research to compensate.
25th %ile
3.50
Median
3.70
75th %ile
3.85
Benchmarks are approximate, drawn from program-published class profiles + cohort posts on Yocket / r/gradadmissions. Use them as a sanity check, not a verdict.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is a 3.5 GPA good for an MS in the US?
3.5 is competitive for top-50 US MS programs (around the 50th percentile of admits), workable for top-25 (below median, but viable with strong test scores + experience), and below the 25th percentile for top-10. Use the tool above to see your specific position.
What if my GPA is below the 25th percentile?
Two paths: (1) compensate with strong test scores (GRE 325+, GMAT 720+) and meaningful research / work experience, or (2) target one tier below where you'd otherwise apply. Both can produce strong outcomes.
Are these benchmarks official?
They're approximate — drawn from program-published class profiles, admit posts on Yocket, and cohort threads on r/gradadmissions. Use them as a sanity check, not a verdict. Each program publishes its own admitted-class average.