The Impact of High School Preparation on College GPA: Beyond the Statistics

Introduction

When it comes to predicting college success, many believe that high school performance, especially one's position in the high school class, is the best indicator. But does high school preparation directly affect your college GPA, and if so, how?

Statistical Correlation and Causation

Statistically, being positioned high in your high school class serves as a strong predictor of success in college. This might seem logical as it infers a strong work ethic and the ability to meet expectations. However, this prediction is not always accurate and may be misleading. SAT prep classes, which are often seen as a means to prepare, can lead to enrollment in a school or program that is challenging and might not best suit the individual. Often, students mistakenly believe these classes will guarantee success.

It is crucial to understand that while high school preparation can correlate with higher GPAs, this does not imply causation. High school is essential for gaining study skills and learning how to navigate academic expectations. Without proper high school preparation, college may present unforeseen challenges, especially in areas such as time management and study techniques.

Credentials and Resources in College

Moving to college, there are significant advantages to having a solid foundation. For instance, many college-level courses can be skipped if you have passed Advanced Placement (AP) tests or similar placement exams, thereby avoiding classes that might negatively impact your GPA. Moreover, students with a robust high school education often find themselves better equipped for advanced studies, which can make the transition to college smoother.

That said, exceptions do exist. High school valedictorians have been known to underperform in college, particularly in STEM majors, and this can be attributed to several factors, including the lack of readiness for the academic rigor of college and personal misalignment with their chosen field of study.

Personal Experience: Lessons Learnt

My personal journey underscores the significance of proper high school preparation. Growing up, I had a mentality that seemed counterproductive: 'I have my life ahead of me! ' My lack of enrolling in honors or AP classes in high school was a significant oversight. In my senior year, I told my Spanish teacher that I would major in biology, despite not having taken any advanced placement science classes.

My first college biology class was an eye-opener. Even though the class was not required for my major, it demonstrated the stark difference between high school and college biology. Additionally, I took a remedial English class during my freshman year, which further highlighted my unpreparedness. My overall first-year GPA was a C average, a far cry from what I expected.

The pressure from my dad to pursue a biology major, urging me to become a pharmacist, added to the strain. My mother’s expectations, based on her previous work, also contributed to the pressure I felt to dedicate four years to science and math classes. However, my lack of preparation in AP classes led to an average performance in biology and chemistry.

Recognizing the need for a change, I switched to a business major with the hope of bettering my chances in accounting. Despite not taking AP micro or macroeconomics classes or any college-level accounting classes in high school, I still struggled, getting a D in my first accounting class. Eventually, the lack of preparation in AP classes and the subsequent poor performance in managerial accounting led to my academical disqualification after the first year. Faced with this challenge, I switched to a human services social work major out of necessity.

Looking back, I understand the impact of not taking AP classes in high school on my academic journey in college. Being unprepared for the rigors of college classes can severely affect one's GPA and overall college experience.

Conclusion

While high school preparation can contribute significantly to a successful college experience, it is not the only factor. Proper preparation, including taking rigorous AP classes, can set a solid foundation for the challenges of college, where the workload and expectations are often considerably higher. Whether you plan to pursue a STEM, business, or social work degree, understanding the impact of your high school preparation can help you make informed decisions that best suit your academic and career goals.