At the risk of sounding completely clueless, can anyone tell me how one gets to be named as Valedictorian? Is there a set standard or does it differ from school to school? Any insights are appreciated. Cheers!
The selection of a valedictorian can vary significantly from one school to another. However, the common thread across all schools is that the valedictorian is typically the student with the highest academic performance in their graduating class.
Most high schools usually calculate this using a student's Grade Point Average (GPA), from courses taken over the four years of high school. Weighted GPAs are often used for this calculation as they take into account the difficulty of the classes the student chose to take.
Some schools take this even further by considering factors beyond academics. For example, some high schools like to see involvement in school clubs, sports, or service activities. Some might even require a speech or essay as part of the selection process. Additionally, the character and disciplinary record of the student can also play a role in the decision.
Lastly, some high schools have made revisions to the traditional model and now designate multiple valedictorians. This may be done to recognize a larger number of high-achieving students.
Remember, it's always best to consult with your school counselor to get information specific to your school. Keep in mind, being valedictorian is a noteworthy achievement but it is not a requirement for admissions to selective colleges or universities. Many institutions value a wide range of experiences and abilities, not just academic perfection. A combination of solid grades, rigorous courses, meaningful extracurricular involvement and insightful essays can often be just as impactful in terms of college admissions success.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.