GPA: The Be-All or Just One Part?

So, how much does GPA really matter? Let’s dive in.

13:19 29 May 2025

As someone who's spent years reviewing college applications, I’ve seen it all—the straight-A students with perfect GPAs and those who have struggled a bit along the way. So, how much does GPA really matter? Let’s dive in.

GPA Has Its Place, But...

GPA is obviously important—let’s not sugarcoat it. Colleges use it as an indicator of how well you can handle academic pressure. But here’s the thing: it’s not the only measure. What I noticed during my time as an admissions officer is that colleges care about how you use your time outside of class. Did you volunteer? Start a club? Work part-time? Sure, grades matter, but so does everything else that shapes who you are.

Challenging Yourself Counts

Now, something I always emphasize when I talk to students is that not all A’s are created equal. Trust me, admissions officers can tell when someone took an easy route just to boost their GPA. On the other hand, a few Bs in Advanced Placement or IB classes can actually work in your favor, showing that you’re pushing yourself. When I was going through applications, I always kept an eye out for students who took those academic risks—people willing to try hard things.

Weighted vs. Unweighted: Does It Matter?

Not all schools do this, but some weight GPAs to reflect how tough the classes are. It’s something students stress over a lot, but honestly, both weighted and unweighted GPAs have their value. I remember one student whose weighted GPA was lower because she took on some serious AP courses. It didn’t bother me one bit because her whole application screamed, “I’m someone who loves learning.” That mattered way more than the difference between a 4.0 and a 3.8.

Cutoffs? Not as Cut-and-Dry as You Think

Now, I get asked all the time about GPA cutoffs. The truth is, at many competitive schools, we don’t have strict cutoffs. We’re looking for a full picture. GPA is one piece, but we want students who are doing more than just acing tests. Whether you’re interested in science, art, or something else, what do you do outside the classroom? Did you lead a club? Get involved in community service? Colleges value the well-roundedness.

But yes, some public schools do stick to specific GPA minimums. I’ve seen it firsthand, where applicants are ruled out if they don't hit a certain number. This isn’t the case everywhere, but knowing the specific requirements for each school you’re applying to can help you avoid unnecessary disappointments.

It’s About Balance, Really

A perfect GPA is nice, but what really stands out is balance. I’ll tell you about one student who didn’t have the best GPA in the pile, but she was super involved in her school’s theater program, spent summers working, and even found time for private sat tutoring to boost her test scores. You could just see the determination in her application. She knew she wasn’t a 4.0 student, but she showed grit, and that was huge.

GPA Is Not the End of the Story

At the end of the day, admissions is a nuanced process. Your GPA might open the door, but everything else you bring will keep it open. We want students who will contribute to campus life, take advantage of opportunities, and continue to push themselves, both inside and outside the classroom.