Decoding the 'Good GPA' Enigma

I know GPA is extremely important in college admissions, but what are colleges actually looking for? Is it more about the number, or improvement over time, or the rigor of courses? I'm a little confused.

You've touched on three major aspects that colleges look at about a student's GPA: the actual GPA, improvement over time, and course rigor. Let's break them down:

- The GPA itself: A high GPA generally indicates a consistent level of academic achievement throughout high school. That said, what constitutes a "good" GPA can vary depending on the specific colleges you're aiming for. In general, selective colleges like to see a GPA of 3.5 or above, but for top-tier universities, having a GPA closer to 4.0 might be the norm.

- Improvement over time: This can depict a positive narrative if your GPA wasn't so high in your first year of high school but has been increasingly getting better. It shows resilience, dedication, and an upward academic trajectory which colleges appreciate.

- Rigor of courses: A high GPA earned through challenging coursework like Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes can be more impressive than a high GPA from easier classes. Admission officers often look for students who have taken on rigorous course loads and excelled, as it suggests that they're prepared for the rigors of college-level work.

Therefore, colleges aren't just interested in the numerical value of the GPA, they also take into account the academic journey behind that number. They want to see if students challenge themselves, how they handle academic pressure, and if they are improving academically. Remember, however, that GPA is just one factor among a host of other colleges consider in their holistic admissions process.