High GPA or Strong Extracurriculars? I have puzzled over this question ever since I started realizing the importance of both. On one hand, having a high GPA sets you apart from the crowd because it shows the time and dedication you have put into your education. But what good is an education if it’s not applicable? That’s where extracurriculars come into play. The lessons and gems of information that are picked up from working on projects, or competing in sports are definitely more useful than knowing certain topics taught in schools. Along with that, extracurriculars teach students valuable people skills that will help them through their professional career. The soft skills and people skills that are learned by working with a team to achieve a common goal cannot be understated. With all this being said, I try to prioritize both of them equally. Throughout high school I consistently maintained a 4.0 GPA and graduated with a 3.99 due to welding safety class I got an -A in. Now through my first semester of college at Western Colorado University I have 3.9 GPA. I know that without these high grades I would not be eligible for some of the scholarships I have, or the wow that I get from employers when I am applying for an internship. This number proves to people how serious I am about my education and how they can rely on me to perform intellectually. What this number doesn’t show though, is the 7 years I have competed in cross country and track. My personal business that I have been running and growing for 4 summers, and the skills I have, to relate to all kinds of people from different backgrounds. The lessons I have learned through these things and others have propelled me to a state where I am confident in any situation. Along with that, I have learned to love hard work and the time it takes to produce a product I am proud of. I believe that being well rounded academically and in extracurriculars is the best way to be a student, an athlete or even an employee. The combination of my ‘book smarts and street smarts’ are what allows me to be successful in many areas, and I know I wouldn’t be where I am without the work I have done in both. This work will allow me to reap more rewards due to the strong marks I have got in academics and extracurriculars. Andre Meyer, the CIO Encevo said it best, “Book smart: The power of theoretical knowledge” and “Street smart: The art of practical wisdom.” One can only get you so far, while both are what it takes to excel in a career. Wrapping up, I know that this may not be the answer you are looking for, but the world needs people who are good at both and I truly believe that school and extracurriculars have an equal amount of importance in a person’s future.

Link to Andre Meyers article- (19) Book Smart vs. Street Smart: Is One Sufficient for Career Success? | LinkedIn