I prioritize maintaining a high GPA because, to me, a good GPA means many things. For one, it’s a product of my own hard work. When I look at my GPA, I feel proud because I know I’ve worked hard to get it there. I toil to turn in all my assignments on time, and to make sure that those assignments are of good quality. Getting good grades validates my hard work; it means the teacher recognizes my efforts, and they were not in vain.
Another reason that a high GPA is important is that it can indicate your actual understanding of your courses’ content. Submitting quality assignments requires you to actually understand the material, as well as what’s being asked of you. When you have a thorough comprehension of these things, not only will the work feel easier, but you’ll produce more adequate work. But this shouldn’t be the only goal when striving to understand course content; this understanding is ultimately for your own good. Even if the course has nothing to do with your intended career path, having a diverse array of knowledge makes an individual well-rounded and well-learned.
This is where I would argue against strong extracurriculars as being more important than a high GPA. I acknowledge that the former might demonstrate a more well-rounded individual who takes part in a multitude of activities, but this is a trait that can also be shown through a high GPA. When you take a variety of courses in different fields of study, and when you do well in those courses, you demonstrate that you’re building a colorful store of knowledge and skills through dedication to those different disciplines. In this manner you might show that you’re a team player by doing well in a Communications course rather than taking part in an after-school sport or club.
Some might say that extracurriculars are more important because they indicate dedication to activities outside the classroom; things that we cut into our own free time to do. To this I say that a high GPA isn’t attained solely in a classroom. As many students learn when they get to higher levels of education, showing up to class isn’t enough to get a good grade. You have to get home and pull out that textbook once more, not only for homework but to study for upcoming tests or projects. You need to take that initiative. You have to discipline yourself to continue working and learning even when there’s no teacher peering over your shoulder. This, in my opinion, is a greater show of character than participation in extracurriculars.