Is GPA the Sole Indicator of College Success?

 

“Perfection is the enemy of progress”

Overview

As deadlines for early college applications are fast approaching, some students will be left wondering if their GPA will be the all or nothing factor for their acceptance into their dream school. Although GPA is important it is not the sole indicator of collegiate success nor does it define you as a person. Many admissions officers have said that you do not only want a student with a good GPA but a student who is distinguished from the rest.

What does your GPA say about you as a student?

Before we talk about other important indicators of collegiate success we must discuss what your GPA actually says about you as a student. In general a good GPA shows that you can follow directions, dedicated to learning, and disciplined enough to study. These are all great qualities to have however on paper you are just like every other student with a good GPA. Yes, your GPA can get your foot in the door but it won’t get you all the way through the door. 

Is your GPA an all or nothing factor on college applications?

Your GPA is not an all or nothing factor on college applications. It is very important but it is most definitely not the only thing colleges look at. They want to know who you are as a person and the only way to show them who you are is through your accomplishments, extracurriculars, passion projects, and personal essays. They want to know what makes you different, so that they can trust that by accepting you will make a positive contribution to their university. 

How can I make up for a weak GPA?

It’s important to note that not everyone will have a perfect or good GPA. This can be several reasons, but there is always a way to make up for it. You can join clubs, volunteer, pursue a passion project, start a club, and obtain leadership roles. For students who went through hard times, it is so important that you explain in your personal essays the adversity you had to overcome. You should emphasize the story behind your GPA and the traits that led you to work for the GPA you have earned. Overall, you need to explain your situation in a way that sheds light at the end of the adversity tunnel.

Conclusion

One must always keep in mind that whatever extracurriculars, or projects you pursue must be coherent, to show that you have a close to clear idea of where you are headed. You should always make sure to SHOW who you are in your personal essay whether you are telling your story behind your GPA or talking about a life altering event. Colleges want to know who you are because you are more than just a number on a piece of paper.