Reply to Sky-High GPAs at Virginia State Schools? Time to Ground Expectations and Open Doors

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I can't wrap my head around why Virginia state schools like UVA, Virginia Tech, and JMU are[b] setting their GPA requirements so hig[/b]h. For instance, UVA wants a 4.3, Virginia Tech a 4.0, and JMU a 3.5. It feels like they're trying to compete with Ivy Leagues, which might make sense for private schools that thrive on exclusivity, but for public universities funded by taxpayer dollars? That just doesn’t sit right with me.

My own kid, who is gifted in math and computers and two grade levels ahead in these subjects, is looking at Virginia Tech because of its strong emphasis on tech and computer programs. Yet, he might have to reconsider his top choice because he faces challenges in foreign languages and English, and those could drag his GPA down. It's absurd that a student who excels in the exact fields a school specializes in might miss out because of a few lower grades in unrelated areas. I also have to tell him that getting a B or B+ isn't good enough, which to me seems absurd.

Also, why not increase their capacity? More seats would mean more students getting a good education without the crazy pressure of scoring more than a perfect GPA. Another idea could be to limit the number of out-of-state or international students to free up more spots for in-state students, ensuring that Virginia's own have better access to these educational resources.

Isn’t it time we reassess these academic expectations to make higher education more accessible and relevant to what students are actually studying and excelling in? Shouldn't state schools focus on educating more students rather than acting like they're something they’re not? Let's hear some opinions on this![/quote]

They aren't "setting" the requirements that high. . The students have those GPAs and much higher.  Due to grade inflation and test optional, the best schools are inundated with students with 4.51 (UVA's 75th percentile GPA) plus GPAs.  I know of one UVA student had a 6.0 - she had been taken college courses since sophomore year through the Governor's program.  These kids have incredibly resumes.  Do you expect the top publics to turn away the top state students?  Meanwhile, they are under pressure to increase first generation and URM numbers so something has to give.  This is why the Commonwealth is pouring money into all of the other 30 public colleges and universities in Virginia - to make something accessible to everyone.[/quote]

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