A good score in high school can vary depending on the grading scale and the specific institution, but a general benchmark is a GPA of 3.0 to 3.5. This range typically places students in the upper half of their class and is considered competitive for college admissions. For example, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), in 2020, the average GPA for high school graduates was 3.0. However, many colleges look for higher GPAs, especially in competitive programs or for scholarships. A GPA above 3.5 often indicates strong academic performance and is highly regarded by colleges and universities. Additionally, a high score on standardized tests like the SAT or ACT can complement a strong GPA and further enhance a student's application.