Is there a difference in how colleges perceive private school GPA versus public high school GPA?

Hey, so I attend a private school and I've heard some people say colleges look at our GPAs differently than those from public schools because of grade inflation or just different standards. Is this true? How do admissions officers take into account the type of high school you come from when looking at your GPA?

Hello! Excellent question. Indeed, admissions officers do take into account the context of your high school when evaluating your GPA. Since private schools often have different curricula and grading standards compared to public schools, college admissions officers rely on the School Profile that typically accompanies your transcript. This Profile provides information about the school’s curriculum difficulty, grading scales, and any special instructional methods that might influence GPA. For example, some private schools offer numerous AP and IB classes which can affect student GPAs due to the weighted grading scale for these rigorous courses.

In addition, admissions officers are experienced in understanding the nuances between different schools and their grading policies. They aim to assess each student's performance within their individual learning environment. Therefore, while there might be perceptions of grade inflation or differing standards, rest assured that admissions officers are looking at more than just the raw GPA numbers. They are considering the rigor of your coursework and how you've challenged yourself within the context of your school's offerings.

It's important to perform well academically, but also to engage in curricular offerings that demonstrate your initiative and willingness to challenge yourself.