In high school, the pursuit of a high GPA has become more than just a personal goal; it’s a source of pressure for many students. With rankings on their minds, students often find themselves competing not only with others, but with their own expectations, too. The emphasis on the importance of a good GPA can shape almost every academic decision students make. From choosing which classes to take to how much time they can put into their extracurriculars, the weight of maintaining or boosting a ranking can dictate daily life.
When asked if he has ever felt that his self-worth is tied to his GPA, junior student Nathan Castro replied, “No, because I pick my own destiny.” It’s important to remember that your GPA is just a small measure of your performance so far; it doesn’t measure your character, intelligence, or your potential. Tying your self-worth to a number can leave you with unnecessary stress, and you may start to overlook the many other talents you already have.
When you remove your value from your GPA, it can become easier to focus on learning and enjoying your high school experience. According to senior student Jasmine Graham, she’s yet to lose sight of enjoying the learning process. “No, I try to focus more on my performance and comprehension more than I pay attention to my GPA. As long as I am enjoying and engaging in my work, then I will perform well.” Remembering to actually take in your education rather than focusing on your GPA will help you much more in the long run.
GPA rankings do push many students to strive for more for themselves. It can motivate students to take risks and challenge themselves. But the question remains: at what cost? The line between motivation and overwhelming pressure here can be really thin. Are rankings truly the best way to measure talent and dedication, or do they place too heavy of a burden on students who are trying to find their way through high school? For now, GPA will stay a driving force, but the conversation around the impact it has on us should matter to every student.
