The next time you’re worrying if your grade point average is high enough, consider this: the average high school GPA of U.S. millionaires is 2.9 — about a quarter of a grade point lower than the average GPA of Americans as a whole (3.2). While it's important to strive for good grades, your GPA is just one piece of the puzzle in becoming a well-rounded, prepared graduate.
In high school, in addition to maintaining the highest possible GPA, you’re expected to play team sports, join clubs and participate in other extracurricular activities. The goal is to help students develop socially and prevent them from becoming isolated. Socialization and leadership are important skills that will help you gain acceptance in your chosen field. But the reality is that getting good grades with a challenging schedule can be really difficult. It’s also not the best predictor of success.
In a Boston College study conducted by researcher Karen Arnold, high-achieving high school students were found to be prone to conformity, inhibiting their success and personal growth in college and beyond. On the contrary, college students with below-average high school GPAs can surprise themselves as they travel down their own paths to success and self-fulfillment. They are more likely to think outside the box and challenge convention.
A less-than-stellar high school GPA doesn’t have to define you. Programs like Stride Career Prep cannot only equip you with a well-rounded, real-world curriculum, it can stoke your intellectual curiosity and help you find a professional niche. Learn more about our program here.
