Why don't some colleges count non-academic classes in GPA?

Hey guys, I'm just curious why some colleges might not count non-academic classes (such as art, music, or PE) in their GPA calculations when reviewing applications? Do they not value these subjects, or is there some other reason behind it? Thanks for any insight you can provide!

The primary reason some colleges choose not to count non-academic classes in GPA calculations is that they want to focus on assessing a student's academic rigor and performance in core subjects. These core subjects typically include English, math, science, social studies, and language courses. By concentrating on these courses, colleges can gauge how well students are prepared for college-level work in those disciplines.

That being said, it's not because colleges do not value non-academic courses like art, music, or PE. These classes can help students develop essential skills, showcase their talents, and allow them to pursue their passions. Additionally, excelling in these courses can contribute to a student's application in other ways, such as through extracurricular activities or supplemental materials like an art portfolio.

The decision to exclude non-academic courses from GPA calculations is primarily to ensure a standardized, apples-to-apples comparison of applicants in terms of their academic abilities. As schools can have varying grading systems and course offerings, focusing on core subjects helps colleges maintain a uniform basis for evaluation.

It's important to remember that colleges use a holistic review process when evaluating applicants. While your GPA in core subjects may play a significant role, other factors such as extracurricular activities, essays, and achievements in non-academic courses can still positively influence your application and demonstrate your well-roundedness as an individual. So, continue pursuing your passions and excelling in non-academic courses, as they can still contribute to your college application in meaningful ways!