How Much Do Grades Matter in High School?

Key Takeaways

Despite the ongoing debate about whether or not grades should be given, they are still important in high school.
While grades don’t represent the whole picture of who you are, they do play a role in what classes you’re placed in, what colleges accept you, and how much financial aid you may receive.
If you receive a low grade, don’t let it affect your confidence—know that there are always ways to raise your overall grade and there are other factors that help you stand out on college applications.

We all know how satisfying it is when we earn a good grade after working so hard to get it. But what does it mean when you get an exam (or two) back and your grade is less than ideal? Besides affecting your self-esteem, can it bring your overall grade or GPA down? What does that mean for colleges?

Here’s the good news—your grades don’t define you. But they do matter. You might be wondering–what grade really matters? And how much? Great questions let’s get into it.

The History of Grading

The first official record of a grading system surfaced in 1785 at Yale, where seniors were graded into four categories. Grades then became scale-based in the early 1900s, with a more unified system across universities. By the 1940s, the A-F grading system emerged as the dominant grading scale, along with the 4.0 GPA and 100 percent system. This is the one many of us are familiar with today.

What Are Grades?

Grades reflect your overall progress in a class. The grading system was designed to help measure and evaluate the progress of students in a unified way across the country. In a sense, they tell teachers, parents, and students what a student’s strengths are and which areas need improvement. You’ll typically see grades represented alphabetically (A–F) or numerically (90%, 75%, etc.).

What Grade Really Matters?

Since grading has been around, there has been an ongoing debate surrounding their merit. Are they truly accurate? Do they really measure intelligence? The truth is—your grades do matter. But that doesn’t mean they define you or even your intelligence.

While a single grade isn’t going to make or break your future, your grades do give a good reference point for your skills. You don’t necessarily have to earn straight A’s or a 4.0, but they are used by schools and colleges to determine class placement, college acceptance, and eligibility for scholarships. This is especially important during your junior year because it’s the last full year of academic performance colleges see before accepting you.

Why Are Grades Important?

Understanding the importance of grades can help you see how they influence everything from class placement and college acceptance to potential financial aid opportunities.

Placement in AP Classes: Your grades can dictate the classes you’re placed in and the opportunities you have for electives in high school. If your grades are lower, you likely won’t be able to take many AP or college-level courses throughout high school.
College Admissions: If you are trying to get into a competitive college, lower grades and a lack of high-level courses could very well impact your chances of getting that acceptance letter. This, in turn, could affect your career options, choice of major, and other aspects of your life and education.
Scholarships and Grants: Many scholarships and grants are merit-based, requiring a certain GPA for eligibility. If your GPA is lower than their requirements, you could miss out on some quick and easy cash for college!

Grades Do Become More Important as Time Goes On

It’s worth noting that grades become more important as you continue your education. While earning a C in your 3rd-grade math class won’t have a major impact on your high school experience, the grades you earn later on can affect where you are placed in high school.

For example, getting A’s and B’s in 5th grade can lead to advanced classes in middle school, and then advanced or honors classes in high school. Higher grades in high school can open the door to more possibilities after graduation.

The Negative Impact of Grades

While grades are often seen as a reflection of academic abilities and play a role in the college admission process, not everyone agrees that they’re the best way to measure how smart or capable a student is. Here’s why:

They’re Subjective and Inconsistent: Grading can vary from teacher to teacher and from school to school. Some students may also excel in ways that aren’t captured by standard grading systems.
They Place Immense Stress and Pressure on Students: Grades can impact confidence and stress levels, especially for those who place too much emphasis on grades. This low self-esteem can impact students not just academically, but also personally.
They Neglect Other Skills: Many believe that grades may not accurately reflect a student’s full potential, as they only focus on academic performance and not other skills. For this reason, many colleges focus on the whole picture of who a student is, rather than just grades, when looking at applications.

What if My Grades Are Low?

First, take a deep breath—and do not give up! Having a low grade doesn’t mean you’re not smart or cut out for college. It also doesn’t cancel out the things that do make you a great applicant for school. Here’s what can help balance your application:

Extracurricular Activities: What do you do outside of the classroom? Whether it’s sports, music, volunteering, or even part-time work, colleges love to see a well-rounded student.
Personal Essays: This is your chance to stand out among a sea of applicants. Most colleges will require you to submit a personal essay where you will share your personal story. Use this as an opportunity to explain any growth or challenges that have impacted you.
Strong Letters of Recommendation: If you are close with a teacher or mentor, ask them for a letter of recommendation! This can really give colleges an insight into your character, work ethic, and potential.

How Can I Raise My Grades?

All students learn and test differently, and all teachers teach differently. For instance, you might have done extremely well in 9th-grade English but struggled in 11th grade. Grades can sometimes give a false picture of where your skills lie.

However, that doesn’t mean that if you’re failing to flourish in your 10th-grade math class, you should just accept that the class’s approach doesn’t work for you and give up. There are plenty of ways you can improve your skills and raise your grades.

Studying is a good start, but you can also take advantage of other resources and approaches, including:

Finding a study group with classmates or friends
Working with a tutor
Asking your parents for help
Using free online resources such as videos on YouTube or Khan Academy
Be more active in class
Ask the teacher for assistance
Take breaks during your studying

If you are having a hard time in the classroom and the teacher isn’t offering much help, talk to your guidance counselor as soon as possible for advice. Waiting could mean your grade might not be salvageable.

Are There Other Ways To Measure Academic Success Besides Grades?

Absolutely! In recent years, many schools have started to adopt alternative ways to measure success in the classroom. Some teachers may assign project-based assessments that focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, while others may use portfolios that compile a student’s best work over time. These alternative methods of measuring success are designed to present a holistic view of a student’s capabilities, including both academic and creative achievements.

Will My Grades Matter in College?

Yes! Your grades will still matter in college. For one, if your grades are consistently lower and not meeting the academic standards of the school, you may be put on a probationary period. If your grades do not improve in the following semester, you could even be dismissed from school.

Your grades do not represent the whole picture of who you are, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t important. They can influence your classes, college choices, scholarships, and career opportunities. While it’s helpful to know what grade really matters, it’s just as important to remember that your growth and effort matter, too. Always try your best and don’t be afraid to ask for help from teachers, counselors, or peers. Focus on your personal growth rather than just the final grade. It’s important to find a balance between striving for good grades and maintaining a healthy mindset about your academic performance.

Wondering which colleges you might have the highest chance of getting accepted to? You can use College Raptor’s College Match tool to see your estimated admissions chances at several colleges!