Many students go to school and wonder why their GPA matters. While it is commonly agreed among many that higher education is not a necessity for survival, it is definitely an add-on. Education is like a knife - you don't need it to go hunting, but it can definitely be nice to have. Keep reading to understand why your GPA in school matters!
What is a GPA?
GPA stands for " Grade point scale". In the US, the GPA is usually based on a 4.0 scale ranging from 4 to 0.
Grade | Points earned by grade out of 4.0 |
A | 4.0 |
B | 3.0 |
C | 2.0 |
D | 1.0 |
F | 0.0 |
Above is a table explaining how many points each grade will earn out of 4 points. To calculate your grade, you add up the points you earned on a report card and divide it by the points you could have earned. You then multiply that value by 4. For example, if you have seven classes, you could earn 28 points. However, if you only scored 4 A's and 3 B's, you would have only earned 25 points (4 A's=16, 3 B's = 9).
25/28= 0.89.
0.89 x 4=3.57
3.57 is your GPA, which ain't that bad. Good Job!
Schools use GPA to evaluate students' performance in the classroom. GPA has been utilized for many years, but it has evolved significantly from its original form. A student's GPA is expected to peak at 4.0, but due to the inclusion of advanced and honor classes, it is possible to achieve a 5.0 GPA through a grade boost. Nonetheless, it's crucial to recognize that not all institutions acknowledge or give weight to the grade boost from honor classes.
Why does your GPA matter?
Many students give their GPA less attention and bad energy due to the unfortunate circumstances that surround people's GPAs in the long run. I will be exploring why your GPA matters and how it gains the reputation that surrounds it.
It's a field of competition:
The concept of a GPA can seem intimidating, especially with titles like "In with the Sharks." Many schools use a ranking system based on a student's GPA. Those at the top may earn the titles of valedictorian or salutatorian, which may seem cool and motivating to some.
However, not everyone finds it motivating. The GPA system can be intimidating and unfair to some students. It heavily relies on a teacher's preference rather than reflecting a student's true abilities. Students who are not in fortunate situations may struggle to focus or perform well in class, which can affect their GPA. This can be discouraging for those who don't achieve their desired ranks.
Despite this, it's important to remember that competition also brings opportunities. Students with high GPAs can benefit by gaining admission to renowned universities, providing more internship and job opportunities. While it's true that not all degrees guarantee job prospects, many employers prefer candidates with higher education. In essence, education provides a tool, but it's not the only one needed to succeed.
Both jobs and universities use this competitive system to select the best candidates. Therefore, achieving a high GPA can maximize the opportunities available to you.
Measures your ability to adapt to academic-like settings:
It's crucial to remember that while there's widespread agreement on the existence of multiple intelligences, your GPA predominantly reflects your ability to adapt to academic environments and demands rather than your innate intelligence. Even if someone is exceptionally bright, a lack of interest in a class could lead to a low GPA. The primary issue lies in the inability to adapt and find engaging learning methods for oneself.
This is important because imagine securing a job that provides financial stability. Such a job may require daily attendance, adherence to specific instructions, extensive reading, form-filling, and case-specific learning, mirroring academic settings. While some individuals may excel in such a role, others might find it challenging. However, what truly matters is the ability to perform effectively in a role, showcasing the capacity to adapt to an academic-like setting.
This has significance in a career setting as many professions feature roles resembling academic settings. When job hunting and facing financial pressures, these roles can prove invaluable. A strong GPA indicates your capability to excel in these positions, opening up economic opportunities. Therefore, your GPA holds substantial importance in the professional domain and can aptly prepare you for such opportunities.
Nevertheless, GPA is not the sole determinant of success in the world and is not indispensable for achieving success. It primarily assesses your ability to thrive in academic-like settings. While some might relate striving for a good GPA to physical labor, individuals aspiring to work on an oil rig or become a truck driver have minimal use for GPA as it doesn't strongly measure the requisite skills for such roles.
The key takeaway is that GPA can create opportunities for you and should not be disregarded or underestimated, even if it doesn't open all doors. If you aspire to become a truck driver but can attain a high GPA, strive for it as a precaution in case you change your career path or face unforeseen circumstances within the trucking industry. It's better to walk into a mall with more money than you need than less.
GPA acts as a goal:
The text below discusses the benefits of having a GPA as a goal, despite the common perception of it being demotivating and harmful. While it's understandable to view GPA as demanding, it actually serves as a motivator for students. Without a goal, individuals often stagnate. During periods like summer break, students tend to be unproductive because there's no immediate goal driving them. Pursuing a GPA involves completing assignments on time and attending classes regularly, which demands action from students and encourages them to be active.
Having a GPA goal provides students with something to work towards, encouraging them to seek out new opportunities and be inspired to do more. It acts as a motivating factor, pushing students to get out of bed and take responsibility for their education. Furthermore, in the professional world, businesses and employers often view GPA as an indicator of dedication and work ethic. While not always accurate, many recruiters use GPA as a measurement during the hiring process, with a high GPA being associated with hard work and dedication, and a low GPA being associated with laziness.
Despite the fact that this perception may not always hold true, it remains a common perspective. Therefore, your GPA is crucial in convincing recruiters of your dedication and work ethic. It holds the power to secure interviews and open doors for new opportunities. Embrace your GPA and use it to your advantage.
Conclusion: Why your GPA matters
Your GPA is a crucial aspect in our current system. Although it's not the same as intelligence, it holds significant weight in shaping your opportunities. While it may hold no value in a collapsed society, so wouldn't money. It carries importance in our world today. Striving for a higher GPA can unlock numerous possibilities for you.
If possible, dedicate extra time to studying and set ambitious goals for your GPA. We highly recommend aiming for the highest possible GPA. Submit assignments on time, and if unable to do so, prioritize turning them in late over not at all. While proper prioritization is important, always strive for your best work. By giving your maximum effort, you will maximize the impact of your GPA. Embrace your GPA as a powerful tool and utilize it to its fullest potential.
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"Study hard, learn harder!"- Survival Wolves Official Team!
This is very informational and would help high schoolers and other students
I agree that having a good gpa matters. Especially prior to entering college, seeing as it plays a pretty significant factor in your chances of getting admitted into a college that provides good education along with career opportunities. Having that badge also couldn’t hurt after college, but when do you think experience starts to matter more than what your grades are?