Accuracy of High School Grades vs. College Grades
High school and colleges have many similarities and differences, including how grades work. While most students care about their grades in regards to both high school and college, it is important to know what to expect from grading systems when you attend college.
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High School Grades
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High school grades typically consist of a combination of homework scores and tests averaged together, sometimes with participation grades. Although many teachers hand out a syllabus on the first day of class, it often only contains a general idea of what is in store for the semester. For instance, each assignment might not have a predetermined number of points, and new assignments and units might be added as the course continues.
College Grades
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College grades often are outlined on a syllabus like high school grades but feature a more in-depth breakdown of how many assignments there will be and how many points they are worth. According to Murraystate.edu, this is because, in contrast to high school, students are responsible for their own scheduling and time management. It is important for students in college, who often have many other responsibilities, to be able to anticipate the work load of a course. Additionally, while tests and homework assignments are usually combined to produce high school scores, in college, tests usually comprise a larger percentage of the grade than assignments, if there are any homework assignments at all.
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Function of Grades
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In high school, grades determine your class standing and, most importantly, your eligibility for college opportunities. Your grade point average, or GPA, is what many colleges look at regarding admissions as well as what determines your eligibility for scholarships. For jobs that only require a high school education, however, most employers only want to know you have a diploma and don't concern themselves with your GPA. In college, your GPA is what makes you employable after college or eligible for higher education. Employers of college graduates determine candidacy by looking at how well a student did in college. Graduate schools also have GPA requirements for undergraduate students applying.
Misconceptions
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High school students who are dissatisfied with their GPA often believe they are unable to achieve a college education or a good job. This is untrue. Your high school GPA is important in finding a college to attend, but after you enroll in college, it has little importance. If your GPA is too low for most colleges, consider community college or a technical school. Students must keep in mind that after enrolling in a college, you are given a fresh start to establish a new GPA.
Benefits
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The benefits for both good high school grades and college grades are enormous. In regards to both, you can receive money through grants and scholarships. For high school students, this means money you can use to attend a college; and for college students, this means money to continue their education. Additionally, GPA figures into induction for specific organizations like the National Honor Society and many fraternities and sororities.
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References
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