College admissions is an unpredictable and tough process. How does one get into the school of their dreams? Is it because of their grades or their extracurricular activities? Today’s world almost feels like individuals dedicate their four years of high school just to get into a top college. They participate in various extracurricular activities while maintaining perfect grades and achieving near-perfect test scores. In reality, however, do students truly enjoy their four years of high school? Do they enjoy every single extracurricular activity in which they partake in a leadership role? In essence, I believe a high GPA should be prioritized over strong extracurriculars only because many students participate in extracurricular activities just because they may look good to colleges, while grades are the most important aspect of depicting college-level success.

Even though I have leadership roles in multiple clubs and organizations, pursue volunteer and shadowing opportunities, tutor hundreds of students in mathematics, and enact various health and science initiatives, I believe the building block of all these extracurricular activities is a high GPA. Having a high GPA depicts intellectual aptitude and vitality. Demonstrating an exceptionally high level of academic achievement in four years of high school illustrates the ability of students to perform successfully despite challenges. Especially rewarding when students get high grades in advanced courses, such as Advanced Placement (AP) courses, International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, and Dual Enrollment courses (in which students take classes at a local community college). I believe that these classes help prepare students for the curriculum offered by 4-year universities and other colleges, which helps them succeed in college. By taking 12 AP courses and 11 college courses and at the same time maintaining a high GPA, I have well prepared myself for college and I have earned college credit through completing college courses and passing AP exams. Maintaining a high GPA, especially in advanced courses, serves as the benchmark for college-level success and is the best predictor of success outside of high school, even more so than extracurricular activities.

Extracurricular activities are still important and can provide students with important skills such as teamwork, leadership, and collaboration. They prepare students for the responsibilities required to become successful in college. Even though it is necessary to have a balance of a high GPA, good test scores, and well-rounded extracurricular activities and passion projects, having good grades is non-negotiable and the most important part of high school and eventually the college admissions process. Overall, I prefer a high GPA over strong extracurricular activities, but I believe both are important for high school students and beyond.