If colleges are test optional why is there no GPA optional

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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?

Because GPA optional wouldn’t boost minority admissions.

[Anonymous]

OP's question is entirely fair.

[Anonymous]

How about extracurriculars as optional? Then we can skip all the fake charities.

[Anonymous]

Honestly, a lot of colleges essentially are. As long as you have graduated from high school and can pay, they will take you regardless of your gpa.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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?

Because GPA optional wouldn’t boost minority admissions.

Because GPA optional wouldn't boost legacy and donor admits.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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?

Because GPA optional wouldn’t boost minority admissions.

It actually would. GPA is more inflated (relative to SAT) at schools with lots of educated, affluent parents, because those parents are able to pressure teachers.

(There’s a handful of elite private high schools that are able to shield their teachers from this pressure, and they get a lot of press on DCUM, but they’re a vanishingly small segment of the high school landscape.)

[Anonymous]

There are plenty that are GPA optional. You aren’t looking at schools with 100% admissions where you just need proof of graduation. You still need to submit a transcript to prove you graduated but that’s it.

My kid applied to a few trade schools and apprenticeship programs like this. And yes, it can be competitive but not in the way you think. Spots fill quickly so it’s a different type of deadline of getting in paperwork, seeing if you can get a spot and a conditional acceptance based on a projected graduation date.

But an actual GPA doesn’t matter one bit.

[Anonymous]

I'd prefer tuition optional

[Anonymous]

It's called "community college."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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?

Because GPA were not keeping URM students out of selective colleges and universities.

[Anonymous]

If you can't get through classes, why are you applying to college? Classes are kind of a big deal at college.

[Anonymous]

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

false. Oxford has a minimum unweighted 3.7 for US students. From its website: "For international applicants outside the UK education system, strong SAT scores on the SAT Exam (with a competitive score of 1400 or higher), ACT scores (minimum of 33), and a GPA of 3.7+ are essential metrics to demonstrate academic readiness."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd prefer tuition optional

Now we are talking.