What is Your GPA with All B’s on a 4.0 GPA Scale?
Everybody, and welcome back to the deep dive. You know, I think today, we're gonna be talking about something that's, probably got a lot of your minds as parents. We're gonna be, diving deep into the whole college admissions process, trying to demystify it. Yeah. And especially, you know, for a lot of parents, it's like, how much weight do colleges actually put on different things?
Speaker 2:Uh-huh.
Speaker 1:You know? Right. GPA is a big one that comes to mind.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It is.
Speaker 1:So I thought we'd unpack that today and give you some practical insights into how to think about this with your kids.
Speaker 2:It's a big topic. You know, it generates a lot of anxiety out there for parents. I mean, it makes sense. Right? College is a huge investment.
Speaker 2:And as a parent, you wanna make sure that, your child is positioned well for success.
Speaker 1:Yeah. You wanna set them up for success. Right? You wanna give them every advantage that you can.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:And it's hard. Right? There's so much information out there. There's so much conflicting information out there. So how do you really know what matters and what to focus on?
Speaker 1:Yep. So that's kinda what we're gonna try to do today is cut through all the noise and, you know, try to give you some clear takeaways. So we've got this great article here called, what is your GPA with all b's on a 4 point o GPA scale. Yeah. Which I think is a fantastic starting point.
Speaker 2:Because it's a question I think a lot of parents have.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. Yeah. It's very relatable.
Speaker 2:So, you know, it kinda frames this whole conversation around, you know, how is GPA actually calculated and what is a good GPA?
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:You know, how do we even think about that in today's world?
Speaker 1:Well, I like that the article takes that very specific scenario too. What if my child just gets all b's and then breaks it down from there?
Speaker 2:Yeah. I love that. So I guess let's just start with the basics. You know, what is GPA? How is it calculated?
Speaker 2:Maybe just a quick refresher for folks.
Speaker 1:Sure. GPA stands for grade point average. It's essentially just a numerical representation of your child's academic performance, and it's typically calculated on that 4 point o scale.
Speaker 2:So each letter grade is given a point value. So an a is usually a 4 point o. A b is a 3 point o. A c is a 2 point o. And then you add up the point values for all their grades and all their classes Right.
Speaker 2:And then divide by the total number of courses to get their GPA.
Speaker 1:So it really is just like an average Right. Of all the grades that they've gotten.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Hence the name grade point average.
Speaker 1:Okay. Great. Yep. So in this article Mhmm. Right?
Speaker 1:We're talking about a kid that's getting all b's.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:So what would that put them at?
Speaker 2:So that would put them at a 3 point o GPA, which nationally is usually considered average.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:But the thing is is that average can still get your student into a wide range of colleges and universities.
Speaker 1:Interesting. So even if your kid is, you know, right in the middle of the pack academically, they still have, you know, lots of options available to them.
Speaker 2:Yes. Exactly.
Speaker 1:So I guess this is where a lot of parents start to really get worried Right. Because there's so much emphasis placed on, you know, those top tier schools
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:The Ivy Leagues and all that.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:So what does a 3 point o GPA actually mean for a student in terms of their college options?
Speaker 2:Yeah. Well, it's a good question. And, you know, it certainly keeps a lot of doors open, especially for less selective schools. I mean, in fact, you know, it can actually be a strong GPA for a lot of state universities and liberal arts colleges.
Speaker 1:So, you know, you don't necessarily have to be, you know, shooting for the moon Right. To, to get into a great school.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. There's a misconception that every student needs or wants to attend an Ivy League school.
Speaker 1:Right. And that's just not the case.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:And there are amazing schools out there that are not Ivy League.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. There are.
Speaker 1:That would be a great fit for your kid.
Speaker 2:There really are.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And it's important to remember that GPA is just one piece of the puzzle. Yeah. Right? Colleges are looking at a holistic picture of the applicants. So that includes, you know, course rigor, extracurricular activities
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Their essays, and even standardized test scores where those are still applicable.
Speaker 1:K. So you're saying even with a 3 point o GPA Yeah. There are other things that students can do to really stand out
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:And and make themselves, you know, attractive candidates.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. Taking challenging courses, being involved in meaningful extracurriculars, writing compelling essays, those can all make a big difference.
Speaker 1:So it's not all about just hitting that magic number.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:It's about showing that you're a well rounded individual, that you're, you know, committed to learning Exactly. That you have passions outside of the classroom.
Speaker 2:Yeah. I love how you put that.
Speaker 1:So that's reassuring, I think, for a lot of parents to hear.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Now I know another thing that the article talks about is an upward trend in grades. So can you talk a little bit about that and why that's important?
Speaker 2:Sure. Colleges actually love to see improvement over time.
Speaker 1:Oh, interesting.
Speaker 2:So if a student maybe started high school with some lower grades, but they really show a lot of progress in their junior and senior year. That can be very impressive.
Speaker 1:Okay. So it's not just about where you end up. It's also about the journey
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:And and how much growth you've shown over time.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. It shows a commitment to improvement and learning.
Speaker 1:Which I think is really what you want colleges to see. Yeah. You want them to see that your kid is, you know Yeah. Dedicated. And that they're willing to put in the work Absolutely.
Speaker 1:To to achieve their goals.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Okay. Great. So this article also gives some really practical advice for students who, you know, maybe want to improve their grades. What are some of the things that stood out to you as being really helpful tips?
Speaker 2:Well, I really liked the emphasis on utilizing available resources, like meeting with teachers regularly to get extra help, forming steady groups with classmates, even just, you know, talking to their family about time management and organization.
Speaker 1:Oh, that's interesting. So it's not just about the student kind of doing everything on their own. It's about really creating that support system around them. Right.
Speaker 2:It takes a village. Yeah. And parents can play a huge role in that.
Speaker 1:I love that. So Yeah. How can parents, you know, really support their kids in this area without, you know, putting too much pressure on them?
Speaker 2:Yeah. Well, I think the article makes a really good point
Speaker 1:about breaking down big goals into smaller, more manageable steps. Okay. So instead
Speaker 2:of, you know, focusing on more manageable steps.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:So instead of, you know, focusing on getting an a in the class, help your child focus on just, you know, doing well on the next quiz or mastering one concept at a time.
Speaker 1:Yeah. It can feel so overwhelming when you're just thinking about, like, the big picture.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:You know, like, I gotta get straight ass.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. But if
Speaker 1:you can just break it down into those smaller chunks
Speaker 2:It becomes much less daunting.
Speaker 1:It feels a lot more manageable.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Oh, go
Speaker 1:ahead.
Speaker 2:And those small wins, they actually build confidence and momentum.
Speaker 1:That's great. So it's like a positive feedback loop.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:The more they succeed, the more motivated they are to keep going.
Speaker 2:Exactly. I love that.
Speaker 1:Okay. So we talked about breaking things down. What about, you know, strategically selecting courses, especially when it comes to weighted GPAs? Can you talk a little bit about that? Because I think that can be really confusing for parents.
Speaker 2:Sure. So an unweighted GPA basically just sticks to that standard 4 point o scale, regardless of the difficulty of the course.
Speaker 1:K.
Speaker 2:A weighted GPA, on the other hand, gives extra weight or points. For honors, AP, or IB courses
Speaker 1:Okay. So, like, a b in an AP class might actually be worth more Mhmm. Than an a in a regular class.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Because those advanced courses are designed to be more challenging.
Speaker 1:Makes sense. Mhmm. So the way the GPA is kinda taking that into account.
Speaker 2:Right. It recognizes that extra rigor.
Speaker 1:Okay. So if a student is capable of, you know, handling those more challenging courses Yeah. It could actually be a strategic way to maybe boost their GPA a little bit.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:But it's important to find a balance.
Speaker 1:Yes.
Speaker 2:Students shouldn't overload themselves with AP or IB courses if they're not truly prepared for that.
Speaker 1:Right. It's gotta be the right fit.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's about finding that right level of challenge.
Speaker 1:Right. Where they're, you know, pushed Mhmm. But not overwhelmed. Exactly. Okay.
Speaker 1:Great. So it's not just about working harder. It's also about working smarter.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Awesome. So I think this is all really valuable information for parents Mhmm.
Speaker 2:You
Speaker 1:know, who are trying to navigate this process with their kids. It's about, you know, taking that balanced approach
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Focusing on growth
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:And and really making the most of the resources that are available.
Speaker 2:I agree. And I think what's so great about this article is that it provides that really realistic perspective on GPA and its role in college admissions.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:It doesn't shy away from the fact that GPA matters, but it also emphasizes that it's not the only factor.
Speaker 1:Right. It's about putting GPA in its proper context.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Within the larger picture of the college application.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:Okay. Great. Well, I think that's a great place to, to maybe take a little break.
Speaker 2:Sounds good.
Speaker 1:And when we come back, we'll, we'll continue this conversation Yeah. And talk about some of those other factors that colleges are tittering.
Speaker 2:Sounds good. And, you know, speaking of the larger picture
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:We have to talk about standardized tests, the SAT and ACT. Oh, yeah. Another big piece of the puzzle.
Speaker 1:That's a whole other can of worms that I think stresses out a lot of parents and students.
Speaker 2:Yeah. For sure.
Speaker 1:Because they feel so high stakes. You know, it's like this one test is gonna make or break your future.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Which, of course, is not true, but it feels that way sometimes.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It can definitely feel that way. But, you know, it's important for parents to understand how these tests are viewed in today's admissions process.
Speaker 1:Okay. So what do you mean by that?
Speaker 2:Well, there's been this growing trend toward what are called test optional policies
Speaker 1:Oh, yeah. I've heard of that.
Speaker 2:At a lot of colleges and universities now.
Speaker 1:Well
Speaker 2:So this means that students can actually choose whether or not they want to submit their SAT or ACT scores as part of their application.
Speaker 1:So are they becoming less important then?
Speaker 2:Well, it's not quite that simple. Some schools have gone completely test blind, meaning they don't even consider the scores at all. Wow. But a lot of others are still test optional. So they'll look at the scores if they're submitted, but they won't penalize students who choose not to submit them.
Speaker 1:So how should parents approach this then with their kids?
Speaker 2:Well, the best advice is to research the specific policies of the colleges that their child is interested in because some schools might give a slight preference to students who do submit scores Oh, interesting. While others might not consider them at all.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:So it really varies.
Speaker 1:Got it. So it's all about doing your homework Yeah. Understanding the nuances of each college's admissions process.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. That's good. And I think it's also important to have honest conversations with your child about their comfort level with standardized tests. Yeah. Because, you know, some students thrive in that kind of high pressure testing environment.
Speaker 2:Right. But others find it incredibly stressful.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:So, you know, if your child falls into that latter category, it might be worth looking into those test optional schools.
Speaker 1:Right. So it goes back to that idea of finding the right fit, not just academically, but also emotionally.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Right. Okay. Great. So besides GPA and standardized tests, what are some of the other factors that colleges are looking at?
Speaker 2:Well, one area that I think is often overlooked but is actually really important is extracurricular activities. Oh, yeah. So colleges wanna see that students are well rounded and that they have passions outside of just the classroom.
Speaker 1:Okay. So this is where those personal essays come in.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Right.
Speaker 1:It's a chance for students to really share their stories and their perspectives.
Speaker 2:It gives the admissions committees a glimpse into the student's personality, their values, their potential contributions to the college community.
Speaker 1:So it's really about painting that complete picture Yeah. Of who the student is Exact. Not just, you know, presenting a set of numbers.
Speaker 2:Right. Colleges are looking for students who are engaged, curious, eager to learn and grow. Yeah. They wanna build diverse and vibrant communities.
Speaker 1:Yeah. And that means looking beyond just the academic metrics.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:I love that. So that's another thing that I think takes the pressure off a little bit. Yeah. Right? It's not just about the GPA.
Speaker 1:It's not just about the test scores. It's about who you are as a person Absolutely. And what you bring to the table.
Speaker 2:And it empowers students to really explore their passions and develop their talents
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:In a way that feels authentic to them.
Speaker 1:I love that. Okay. Okay. So we've talked about GPA. We've talked about standardized tests.
Speaker 1:We've talked about extracurriculars and essays. I know another big concern for a lot of parents is the cost of college.
Speaker 2:Oh, yeah.
Speaker 1:I mean, it's a major investment.
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:And it's only getting more expensive.
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:Yeah. So what advice would you give to parents Yeah. Who are, you know, maybe feeling a little overwhelmed by that financial aspect of it?
Speaker 2:Well, I think first and foremost, start planning early.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Don't wait until your child's senior year to start thinking about how you're gonna pay for college.
Speaker 1:Makes sense. Yeah. The earlier you start Yeah. The more time you have to save.
Speaker 2:To explore different options.
Speaker 1:Exactly.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:And there are a lot of resources out there to help families navigate this process. So one great place to start is the FS
Speaker 2:Oh, yeah. The FSA.
Speaker 1:Which stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:And this is a form that basically determines a student's eligibility for federal grants loans and work study programs.
Speaker 2:So even if you don't think you're gonna qualify for need based aid, it's still worth filling out the FSA. Absolutely. Because you never know what you might be eligible for, and a lot of colleges and universities use the FSA to award their own institutional aid as well.
Speaker 1:Okay. So FESSA is step 1.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:What else should families be thinking about?
Speaker 2:Well, it's important to research and understand the different types of financial aid that are available.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:So you've got grants, scholarships, and loans.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Grants are essentially awarded based on merit or other criteria. Okay. And then loans do need to be repaid
Speaker 1:with interest.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:So it's about creating kind of a balanced plan Yeah. That might include a combination of all 3.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And there are tools out there to help families compare college costs and make informed decisions. So for example, the college board's net price calculator
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Allows you to estimate the net price of attendance at different schools based on your family's financial situation. That's awesome. It is a helpful tool.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Because it's so hard to compare, you know, apples to apples when every college has their own way of presenting their tuition and fees.
Speaker 2:Right. Exactly.
Speaker 1:Alright.
Speaker 2:And remember that the sticker price of a college isn't always what you'll end up paying
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Financial aid can really make a big difference.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. So it's about being proactive, doing your research, and not being afraid to ask for help.
Speaker 2:Exactly. There are people and resources out there to guide you through this process.
Speaker 1:Right. You don't have to do it alone. You do not. Okay. Great.
Speaker 2:And remember that the college admissions process can feel really overwhelming, but it's important to keep things in perspective.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It's just one chapter in your child's life, and there are many paths to success.
Speaker 1:That's a good point. Yeah. It's about, you know, focusing on the journey Yeah. And not just the destination. And it's about empowering your child to find their own path, even if it doesn't look exactly like what you might have envisioned for them.
Speaker 2:I love that. It's so easy to get caught up in all the pressures and expectations. Mhmm. But ultimately, it's about helping our children find a future where they can really thrive and pursue their passions.
Speaker 1:Yeah. And speaking of guidance, I wanted to mention a resource for parents who are looking for maybe a little extra support during this process. Okay.
Speaker 2:I'd love to hear about it.
Speaker 1:So it's this platform called College Journey. And they developed this AI powered guide named Alice that provides personalized support for families who are going through Yeah. You know, the college admissions process.
Speaker 2:Interesting.
Speaker 1:Yeah. So what's really cool about College Journey is that it combines cutting edge technology with actual human expertise.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:So it was founded by a neuroscientist
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:And an education expert who have years of experience helping families through this journey.
Speaker 2:So it's not just about algorithms and data points. They really understand the human element of it.
Speaker 1:Exactly. Mhmm. So Alice, the AI guide. She learns about your students' interests and goals and achievements, And then she provides tailored recommendations for everything from course selection to extracurricular activities to financial aid strategies. It's like having a personal college counselor available 247.
Speaker 2:Wow. Wow. That sounds incredibly helpful, especially for busy families who might not have the time or the resources to do all that on their own.
Speaker 1:Exactly.
Speaker 2:That's amazing.
Speaker 1:And the best part, College Journey is committed to making their services accessible to everyone regardless of their financial situation.
Speaker 2:Oh, wow. That's great.
Speaker 1:So if you're feeling overwhelmed or you just want some extra support, definitely check them out. We'll include a link in the show notes.
Speaker 2:Fantastic. That's a great resource to share.
Speaker 1:Yeah. So I think we've covered a lot of ground today from, you know, the nuts and bolts of GPA to the bigger picture of what colleges are looking for. We've we've debunked some myths, offered some practical advice
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:And hopefully, you know, provided some reassurance to those parents who are feeling the pressure. But I think, most importantly, we've really emphasized the importance of focusing on the whole student, not just the number on a transcript.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Because at the end of the day, it's about helping our children discover their passions, develop their talents, and become the best versions of themselves.
Speaker 2:Couldn't have said it better myself.
Speaker 1:But that's a perfect note to end on. Thanks for joining us on the deep dive. We'll see you next time.
