Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Why Your GPA Isn’t Everything in the College Admissions Process | EP 30
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Why Your GPA Isn’t Everything in the College Admissions Process | EP 30
GPA is one of the most talked-about numbers in college admissions—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, I sit down with independent educational consultant Nancy Steenson to break down what that number actually means—and what it doesn’t.
We dig into how colleges evaluate transcripts, why different GPA scales make comparisons unreliable, and how course selection plays a much bigger role than most families realize. From AP vs. dual enrollment to grade inflation and academic rigor, this conversation reframes how to think about high school performance and what truly keeps doors open.
Why GPA Alone Doesn’t Tell the Full Story
A high GPA may look impressive, but colleges don’t take it at face value. They recalculate academic performance using their own methods and focus heavily on the rigor of courses taken—not just the final average.
Understanding this shift—from focusing on grades alone to evaluating academic rigor—changes how families should approach high school planning.
Rigor, Course Selection, and the Doors They Open
Academic decisions made early in high school shape future options, and choosing the right level of challenge can make the difference between having choices—or facing limitations.
(00:03:42) GPA Is Irrelevant for Colleges
(00:09:33) Choosing Between AP or IB Classes
(00:17:26) AP Classes and College Admissions
(00:21:21) Take Hard Classes, Not Easy
(00:23:48) Grade Inflation Impacts College Admissions
(00:26:57) Debunking the GPA Myth
What Actually Strengthens a College Application
A strong GPA alone isn’t enough in today’s admissions landscape, especially as grade inflation makes high averages more common. Colleges are looking for students who consistently challenge themselves across core subjects, not just those who maintain perfect grades in less demanding courses.
AP courses tend to carry more standardized weight nationally, while dual enrollment can vary depending on the institution and location. When AP options are available, they often provide clearer signals of rigor, with dual enrollment serving as a strong alternative when those options are exhausted.
The bigger takeaway is that academic strategy matters early. Choosing challenging courses in math, science, English, and social studies keeps more doors open—especially for selective schools—while avoiding rigor can quietly close opportunities before the application process even begins.
Connect with host, Jack Wang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejackwang/
*be sure to send a connection request with a message saying Hello!
Navigate college funding with me at www.smartcollegebuyer.com
The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Nothing in this podcast is a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product or service. Every family’s financial situation is unique, so always consult with your own financial or tax professional before making any decisions. While we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we can’t guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Your mileage may vary. No warranties, express or implied. Batteries still not included.
About Nancy Steenson: Nancy Steenson is the owner of Steenson College Coaching. She works one-one with high school students, helping to market them in their best light by sharing underutilized strategies to distinguish them amidst thousands of applicants. She enjoys working with young people enormously and takes great pride in helping them realize their full potential in the college application process. With her guidance, students have great success in finding and applying to colleges that are a wonderful academic, social and financial fit, and have been accepted to many varied institutions across the country. She visits dozens of colleges per year, founded and chairs a group of 38 independent counselors who meet weekly to share best practices, and mentors newer college counselors. She’s also an instructor in the Professional Program in College Admissions Consulting at the University of California, Berkeley Extension, and speaks extensively on the topic of college admissions in the corporate world as well as to parents and students, both locally and nationally. She’s a graduate of Tufts University and a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA).
Connect with Nancy:
Website: https://www.steensoncollegecoach.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-steenson-375217107/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancySteensonCollegeAdmissionsCoach
View all episodes
By Jack WangGPA is one of the most talked-about numbers in college admissions—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, I sit down with independent educational consultant Nancy Steenson to break down what that number actually means—and what it doesn’t.
We dig into how colleges evaluate transcripts, why different GPA scales make comparisons unreliable, and how course selection plays a much bigger role than most families realize. From AP vs. dual enrollment to grade inflation and academic rigor, this conversation reframes how to think about high school performance and what truly keeps doors open.
Why GPA Alone Doesn’t Tell the Full Story
A high GPA may look impressive, but colleges don’t take it at face value. They recalculate academic performance using their own methods and focus heavily on the rigor of courses taken—not just the final average.
Understanding this shift—from focusing on grades alone to evaluating academic rigor—changes how families should approach high school planning.
Rigor, Course Selection, and the Doors They Open
Academic decisions made early in high school shape future options, and choosing the right level of challenge can make the difference between having choices—or facing limitations.
(00:03:42) GPA Is Irrelevant for Colleges
(00:09:33) Choosing Between AP or IB Classes
(00:17:26) AP Classes and College Admissions
(00:21:21) Take Hard Classes, Not Easy
(00:23:48) Grade Inflation Impacts College Admissions
(00:26:57) Debunking the GPA Myth
What Actually Strengthens a College Application
A strong GPA alone isn’t enough in today’s admissions landscape, especially as grade inflation makes high averages more common. Colleges are looking for students who consistently challenge themselves across core subjects, not just those who maintain perfect grades in less demanding courses.
AP courses tend to carry more standardized weight nationally, while dual enrollment can vary depending on the institution and location. When AP options are available, they often provide clearer signals of rigor, with dual enrollment serving as a strong alternative when those options are exhausted.
The bigger takeaway is that academic strategy matters early. Choosing challenging courses in math, science, English, and social studies keeps more doors open—especially for selective schools—while avoiding rigor can quietly close opportunities before the application process even begins.
Connect with host, Jack Wang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejackwang/
*be sure to send a connection request with a message saying Hello!
Navigate college funding with me at www.smartcollegebuyer.com
The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Nothing in this podcast is a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product or service. Every family’s financial situation is unique, so always consult with your own financial or tax professional before making any decisions. While we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we can’t guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Your mileage may vary. No warranties, express or implied. Batteries still not included.
About Nancy Steenson: Nancy Steenson is the owner of Steenson College Coaching. She works one-one with high school students, helping to market them in their best light by sharing underutilized strategies to distinguish them amidst thousands of applicants. She enjoys working with young people enormously and takes great pride in helping them realize their full potential in the college application process. With her guidance, students have great success in finding and applying to colleges that are a wonderful academic, social and financial fit, and have been accepted to many varied institutions across the country. She visits dozens of colleges per year, founded and chairs a group of 38 independent counselors who meet weekly to share best practices, and mentors newer college counselors. She’s also an instructor in the Professional Program in College Admissions Consulting at the University of California, Berkeley Extension, and speaks extensively on the topic of college admissions in the corporate world as well as to parents and students, both locally and nationally. She’s a graduate of Tufts University and a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA).
Connect with Nancy:
Website: https://www.steensoncollegecoach.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-steenson-375217107/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancySteensonCollegeAdmissionsCoach