Over the past few years, there’s been a growing notion among educators and students that downplays the importance of GPA. A growing number of voices have started to highlight the importance of mental health and burnout.
While the concerns are important and deserve a thoughtful discussion, the immediate reaction should not be to lower academic standards. Academic excellence plays a pivotal role in preparing students for the hard work ahead in their lives, whether that be college, careers or tackling any goal with meaning.
Learning to meet deadlines, manage stress and overcome academic obstacles builds resilience, a skill that is essential beyond the classroom.
Junior Alessandro Rush, a state qualifier in wrestling and Running Start student, disagrees with the thought that academic standards aren’t as important as they once were.
“People like to say GPA doesn’t mean anything, but I don’t think that’s true. It’s been the main influence in my getting accepted to jobs, and showing people I’m a hardworking and disciplined kid. I think it’s more of an excuse for people who don’t want to work hard,” Rush said.
Around 66% of high school graduates attend college the same year. This reinforces a key point: academic performance still matters for the vast majority of students.
Whether a student plans on attending a college or not, maintaining a high GPA keeps doors open for things like college admissions, scholarships, internships, job applications, honor societies and leadership programs.
“Maintaining a high GPA kept college options open for me,” senior Sam Irizary said.
Without a doubt, students’ well being and life balance must be addressed. However, maintaining academic standards and supporting students’ well being do not have to be at odds with each other.
Helping students commit to effort and perseverance in the classroom instead of undermining the importance of academics may be the best way to prepare them for their lives ahead.
