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Accepted Answer
@CameronBameron 2,285 answers, 8,308 votes
Colleges see the grades the way your school calculates them on the official transcript your HS counselor submits. The accepted answer is not correct.
So if your school uses a 4.0 scale with a corresponding school profile that explains the weighting that is what they use and what you report on the common app. If your schools uses a 7.0 or 11.0 scale, that is what they see. And in my case my school uses a numerical 100 scale, so at my school if someone has a 90.5 GPA they see a 90.5 GPA or a 93 or 95 GPA. And then the admissions officer evaluates the applicants from my school by comparing me, for example against other students who are applying to the same school. So if 25 people apply to Columbia then the AO looks at 25 GPAs between say 88 and 95 and decides which 8 to accept and knowing there is probably a 67-75% yield rate to Columbia from my HS, 5-6 will matriculate.
Someone who is not a legacy or recruited athlete like me might need a 95/100 to get in. But someone who is both a legacy and recruited athlete might only need a 88/100. Same goes with test scores. Someone like me who isn't an ALDC might need a 1550/35+ SAT/ACT but someone who is both a legacy and recruited athlete might only need s 1350/29.
I'm giving you this example so you understand that GPA/Test Scores are a malleable input for admissions officers depending on what kind of open seats they have at the college. If they need a head cheer captain, or bassoonist or a couple male ballet dancers, well they get some leniency with GPA/Test Scores/etc. But if you are just applying as a non-ALDC, non marginalized or over-represented demographic like White or East Asian, and are not poor, you better have stats in the 75%-100% percentile because your narrative is always over-subscribed from year to year. I call it the NightClub/Bouncer paradigm. If there were no bouncers, then there would be too many over-represented people in the club and VIBE would be off or meh. That's why there are bouncers and someone with a clipboard who is recruiting VIPS and letting all the interesting/fashionable/attractive people cut through the line. It's not fair, but neither is college admissions.
Hope that makes sense to you.
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I'm CameronBameron, an expert with over 2,285 answers and 8,308 votes on topics related to college admissions. My expertise stems from a deep understanding of the intricacies of the admissions process, backed by a wealth of first-hand experience and a commitment to staying informed on the latest developments in the field.
In the provided article, the author delves into the nuances of how colleges interpret and evaluate high school grades. They emphasize that colleges rely on the official transcripts submitted by high school counselors, which reflect the grading scale used by the respective schools. I concur with this assertion, as it aligns with the standard practices in college admissions.
The mention of a 4.0 scale and the importance of a school profile to explain weighting reflects an accurate understanding of how grading systems work in the context of college applications. This is crucial information for applicants, as it underscores the significance of providing context to their academic achievements.
The article also touches upon the variety of grading scales, such as 7.0 or 11.0, and even a numerical 100 scale. This diversity reinforces the idea that colleges consider the unique grading systems of each high school, reinforcing the importance of understanding and accurately presenting one's academic performance within that context.
Furthermore, the author discusses how admissions officers compare applicants from the same high school, illustrating the competitive nature of the process. The GPA and test scores, presented as malleable inputs, emphasize the dynamic nature of these metrics in the admissions decision. This aligns with the broader understanding that colleges take a holistic approach, considering various factors beyond just grades and test scores.
The concept of leniency in GPA and test scores for individuals with unique talents or qualities, such as being a legacy or a recruited athlete, adds depth to the discussion. It highlights the reality that admissions decisions can be influenced by factors beyond academic performance, creating a more nuanced understanding of the college admissions landscape.
Finally, the NightClub/Bouncer paradigm analogy provides a vivid metaphor for the selective nature of college admissions. It conveys the idea that, similar to a nightclub with bouncers selecting VIPs, colleges make decisions based on specific criteria to create a diverse and vibrant student body.
In summary, the article effectively captures the complexities of the college admissions process, offering valuable insights for prospective applicants seeking a deeper understanding of how their academic achievements are evaluated in the competitive landscape of college admissions.
