If colleges are test optional why is there no GPA optional

[Anonymous]

If colleges offer test optional admissions, why is there no GPA optional option, or at least a true either or system?
Right now you can choose not to submit SAT or ACT scores, but you still have to submit a GPA and full transcript. Why does it only work one way? GPA is hugely dependent on the high school, the rigor available, grading inflation or deflation, and even the specific teachers. In some districts a 4.0 means something very different than in others.

I could imagine a system where a student submits strong standardized test scores and a verified transcript showing courses taken and passed, without the GPA being the main signal. Or the reverse, submit GPA and coursework and skip the test. Either should be valid depending on the student.

Instead we have test optional layered on top of GPA obsession, which seems to just add more pressure rather than less. If the goal was equity and flexibility, should it not work both ways?

[Anonymous]

That’s how I got into college in the 80s. University of CA had an alternative path for kids with unusual high school experiences (they had a word for it). I had to get sufficient scores on the SAT, including two subject tests:

My understanding is they got rid of that path when they went test blind.

[Anonymous]

There still are "direct admission" colleges that literally admit everyone, many without the requirement of any application

[Anonymous]

UK schools are GPA blind. Oxibridge. They look at your test scores.

[Anonymous]

OP, colleges pretend GPAs are standardized. It's ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Being successful in college is so much more than straight intelligence. I know so many very smart kids who just aren't mature or lack executive function skills. Their High School GPA - despite their intelligence and despite what their 1500+ SATs would indicate - don't have perfect GPAs because they may get bored with a class, not do assignments, not bother to study, etc. Those kids struggle in college.

Compare that with a still smart enough kid who has good executive function skills and is mature. Their SAT scores may not be anything to brag about and might have to go TO, but they know how to buckle down and study so they can get good grades. Those students would do better in college.

OP - I don't know the answer to your question. But realize intelligence isn't the only factor. One just has to be smart enough and then other factors (maturity, executive function, being able to grind it out, perseverance, etc.) really are important in how successful students are.

Test Scores don't necessarily measure that. Grades - while not perfect - kind of do.

[Anonymous]

Because a GPA is just a number and means nothing without the transcript which shows the depth of the courses you take/are taking. There’s a difference between a 4.0 taking regular classes and a 4.0 taking honors and AP classes.

Are you suggesting that no transcripts are submitted?

[Anonymous]

Because not everyone should be going to college. A transcript is the best measure of determining likelihood of success irrespective of GPA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Being successful in college is so much more than straight intelligence. I know so many very smart kids who just aren't mature or lack executive function skills. Their High School GPA - despite their intelligence and despite what their 1500+ SATs would indicate - don't have perfect GPAs because they may get bored with a class, not do assignments, not bother to study, etc. Those kids struggle in college.

Compare that with a still smart enough kid who has good executive function skills and is mature. Their SAT scores may not be anything to brag about and might have to go TO, but they know how to buckle down and study so they can get good grades. Those students would do better in college.

OP - I don't know the answer to your question. But realize intelligence isn't the only factor. One just has to be smart enough and then other factors (maturity, executive function, being able to grind it out, perseverance, etc.) really are important in how successful students are.

Test Scores don't necessarily measure that. Grades - while not perfect - kind of do.

Where is the study to back this up?

[Anonymous]

Isn’t that basically community college?

[Anonymous]

When I applied there was a matrix with your ACT scores on one axis and your GPA on the other. I made up for a poor GPA (depression) with test scores

[Anonymous]

or here’s a thought, require both. a lot of shit schools afraid to require tests

[Anonymous]

It's not necessary to have a GPA to gain admission to high school, but colleges must be able to judge a student's academic rigor and performance. For example, St Ann's School in Brooklyn NY does not give grades; students don't have GPAs. Instead, detailed narrative reports are written for each subject. St. Ann's college placement is exceptional.

See their profile at:
https://saintannsny.org/about/

[Anonymous]

PP: typo, *college not high school. I meant to write a GPA is not necessary for entry into college.

[Anonymous]

Bard has their own entrance exam option, if you don't want apply the usual way: https://www.bard.edu/admission/bardexam/