UW GPA scale and grading policy
Quick answer: University of Washington uses the standard 4.0 scale with 0.1 increments (uw uses precise decimals, e.g. 3.7, 3.8, 3.9). UW considers your school's reported GPA. Holistic review weighs course rigor alongside the number.
| Metric | UW Standard |
|---|---|
| Typical admit GPA | 3.75 - 3.95 |
| Good standing minimum | 2.0 |
| Dean's List threshold | 3.5+ for Annual Dean's List |
| Scale type | Standard 4.0 scale with 0.1 increments (UW uses precise decimals, e.g. 3.7, 3.8, 3.9). |
How Washington recalculates GPA for admission
UW considers your school's reported GPA. Holistic review weighs course rigor alongside the number. The number you submit on your transcript and the number UW uses in its admission decision may differ. Use the calculator above to model both — switch the preset to match Washington's policy.
Maintaining a good UW GPA
- Track cumulative GPA, not just semester GPA. University of Washington reports both. Most academic warnings trigger on the cumulative number.
- Use the credit-weighted scoring above.A 4-credit course's grade affects your GPA 33% more than a 3-credit course's grade.
- Plan for honors. 3.5+ for Annual Dean's List. Use the GPA Goal Calculator to see what grade average you need next semester to qualify.
- Check the grade replacement policy. Washington, like most universities, has a grade-replacement policy for retaken courses. Removing a low grade from the cumulative is the single biggest GPA lift.