What Your GPA Does Not Say About You

When looking at your grade point average for college admissions, it is easy to get caught up in the numbers.  Between SAT scores, ACT scores, and GPA, it is easy to let your numbers get you down.  But don't let your GPA matter too much.  Whether it is high or not so high, you shouldn't lose too much sleep over your grades when it comes time to apply for college.


Grades only describe one part of you

Your GPA only tells a small part of your story.  When you apply for scholarships or college admissions, your grades tell the committee(s) how well you were able to perform within the school system.  It gives some basis about some of your academic ability (e.g. your ability to follow rules, repeat important information, etc.).  But it does not say much of anything about your problem-solving skills, creativity, or personality.  So whether you have a high or low GPA, don't let this portion of your application seep over into other areas.


How to compensate for a low GPA

Since your GPA says very little about your creativity and personality, you should be sure to use the other elements of your application to communicate these abilities.  Things like in-person interviews, essays, and letters of recommendation are a great way to explain who you are as a candidate.  Remember, that admissions committees want unique candidates even more than they want highly-qualified candidates (because so many candidates are already highly-qualified).
So use your creativity and make sure that you stand out for the crowd.  Convince the committee that you are an integral part of the program.  The thought you need to implant in their minds is that the program will be worse off if you are not allowed to be a part of it.  That has very little to do with your grades.  Show your ideas, your creativity, your sense of humor, and your passion.  These are things that cannot be quantitatively measured!


Life goes on!

Remember, no matter what happens, that your GPA is just one little measure.  Don't let the system decide what happens to you.  Take charge of your future and show your passion to get where you want to go.  GPA only shows what you accomplished in the past.  It says nothing about the future.  The world is full of unsuccessful 4.0 students and billionaire dropouts.  Don't read too much into it.  Passion and creativity are much more important than numbers.