By Detra Brown
High school is a place where students prepare for the next phase of life. They interact with other students to develop conflict management skills, learn time management to complete assignments, and build self-confidence as they navigate the ups and downs of school. While students acquire skills that will help them in life, they also are responsible for their academic performance. To measure students’ educational development, schools use grade point averages (GPAs).
GPAs are based on the letter grades that students receive and a 4.0 is the maximum GPA a student can earn. The more students excel in school, the higher the GPA. To raise one’s GPA, students need to study and can add advanced placement classes to their schedule. Failure to have an adequate GPA can limit the opportunities available to students.
Below are a few reasons why GPAs matter.
1. Enhance self-esteem – When students see the result of hard work, their personal outlook rises. They witness the outcome of their efforts.
2. Advancement to the next level and graduation – Every high school has a minimum GPA that is required for students to graduate. When students do not meet the minimum, they repeat the grade level. Some students struggle with understanding why they can’t advance to the next level. Teachers have a responsibility to ensure that students have the tools for success. If the tools were not acquired in the current academic year, students do not progress and repeat the level.
3. Acceptance in college – GPAs are one of the criteria that colleges and universities use to determine admission into the institution. The grades reflect students’ ability to grasp a higher level of learning. Also, the grades students receive in high school assist in the placement of student in classes.
4. Qualification for Financial Aid – Some grants and scholarships have minimum requirements for students to qualify for funding to lower out of pocket costs for higher education. The managers of these resources want to ensure they invest in students, who are serious about their education. They use the GPA to assess students’ level of commitment.
The GPA offers opportunity to students for them to continue their educational development. In addition to the GPA, educational institutions also encourage students to have a well-rounded high school education. They look for extracurricular activities like sports and drama class along with a pattern of volunteerism. These additional activities provide insight into the students.
Mar12020
