The Significance of Grades! 

Dear Parent, 

Grades have been shown to be the single most important predictor of academic success in college.  The more A’s and B’s you have on your transcript the more positive attention admissions committees pay to your application.  It is never too early to stress to your student the importance of getting good grades! 

A few aberrant C’s will not automatically exclude your student from consideration, but he/she may have to explain the reasons behind the lower grades.  Many admission applications, in fact, ask students to explain any performance that is inconsistent with the larger academic record.  It is not uncommon for a strong student to experience a downturn in grades due to an illness, injury, family changes, school relocation and so on. (“I did not like the teacher” is not a good reason!) 

Having said that, colleges know that sometimes a particular subject seems to be unfathomable, or that a disconnect with the instructor’s style of teaching makes it difficult to learn the material.  Being honest and forthcoming in taking responsibility for any such inconsistency will only earn the respect of the admissions staff. 

Some applicants with mixed grades may still be accepted to selective colleges because of their considerable talent in other fields.  I refer here not only to athletes, but also to musicians, actors, dancers or student leaders.  Their record may likely show that they have dedicated hundreds of hours to their passion.  This is seen as a demonstration of their drive and discipline that will be applied to their academic studies in college, as well as to the overall college community.  However, as more and more students who “have it all” apply to the top colleges, the competition grows more intense.  Fewer allowances are made for candidates with unimpressive academic performances. 

Finally, this discussion of grades will not be meaningful without an evaluation of the intensity of courses a student takes.  Selective colleges will demand a challenging curriculum.  This is the best way for students to discover their true academic capabilities.  Check into the honors and advanced placement courses at your high school.  It is a very good indicator of not only your students’ academic potential, but their attitude toward their studies. 

Until next month…Best Wishes!