GPA and College Admissions
Hi everyone! I’m curious about how universities evaluate GPA, particularly when it comes to the number of classes taken. I was chatting with a friend from my grade who has a higher GPA than I do, even though I’m enrolled in more AP classes. We both have the same number of honors classes, and I’m also taking dual enrollment courses, while he isn’t. We both have straight A’s.
What’s interesting is that my friend just moved to the U.S. this year, while I arrived last year. My classes last year were regular, and at that time, I had no clue what AP classes were. I’ve realized that my friend is only being assessed based on this year’s course load, while my GPA reflects two years’ worth of classes.
Does this mean that newer students might have an advantage in GPA rankings? Will colleges consider the total number of classes taken—both advanced and regular—when reviewing applications, rather than just focusing on GPA? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
It’s a great question and highlights some important aspects of how GPA and class rigor are considered by universities. Generally, colleges look at not just your GPA but also the context behind it—this includes the difficulty of the classes you’ve taken, the number of honors/AP/dual enrollment classes, and even how long you’ve been enrolled at the school.
Your situation is a good example of how different students can have different academic journeys. Even if your friend currently has a higher GPA, colleges will look at the overall picture, including the fact that you’ve taken more AP and dual enrollment courses, which demonstrate your willingness to challenge yourself.
Admissions committees typically appreciate a rigorous course load, so having more advanced classes can definitely work in your favor, even if it doesn’t immediately reflect in your GPA. They also consider factors like improvement over time; since you were new last year and starting with regular classes, your transition into more advanced coursework might be something they find impressive.
Ultimately, while GPA is important, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Other factors like your personal statement, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and any special circumstances can also play a significant role in your college applications. Keep focusing on challenging yourself academically and make sure to highlight your experiences and growth in your applications.