Without a doubt, strong extracurriculars should take precedence over a high GPA. It is undeniable that GPA provides a solid way to gauge performance, but it lacks key components of real-world situations that help to illustrate an individual’s chance for success as a well-rounded individual.
Extracurricular activities provide a method for meaningful growth that cannot be obtained in a classroom. While GPA reflects one’s ability to excel in academic coursework, extracurriculars take these skills and apply them to real-world situations. A person must be able to use skills of problem-solving, critical thinking, and other important skills that are only lightly touched on in school. Furthermore, extracurriculars provide a means for students to develop other meaningful skills including leadership and teamwork. The opportunities offered lead to a more developed person overall.
On top of this, extracurriculars hold a much more diverse set of experiences compared to those offered in academics. A GPA solely measures a person’s performance in certain subjects. While success in school is important, it is more important to see the experience and potential for success in a career or real-world situation, as reflected by a person’s performance in extracurricular activities. Extracurriculars illustrate the interests and unique strengths past just what can be seen in a GPA.
In an extension of this, the social aspect of extracurriculars are incredibly important when considering it over a high GPA. Students participating in extracurricular activities are required to work and communicate with peers and teachers or coaches. This helps a person develop meaningful relationships and valuable communication skills not present in schooling. Extracurricular activities develop essential people skills that oftentimes matter more than a person’s GPA when considering a person’s likelihood of success in life.
With the constantly changing world, academic achievements take less precedence compared to the skills developed in extracurriculars, particularly those involving adaptability. The dynamic environments of extracurriculars transfer into the real world far better than any schooling can. An individual gains indispensable skills that set them up aptly for the real world. Regardless of a person’s choices moving forward, whether that be pursuing a degree or entering the workforce, individuals with experience from extracurriculars bring an in-depth understanding and set of skills that far surpass those shown in one’s academic performance.
Although a high GPA is important, one must undeniably choose to prioritize extracurriculars due to their potential benefits. Extracurricular activities provide meaningful development, important skills, and meaningful experiences that schooling fails to provide. By participating in in extracurriculars, an individual is not only able to improve their academic skills, but also grow meaningful character traits vital to success in the modern world.