There seems to be a steady pattern of blaming the American education system whenever students receive crummy grades. Weirdly enough, the students that tend to spout such accusations are the ones who refuse to take notes, ask questions or study. Essentially, their complaints are a cop-out for their lack of effort.
Now don’t spit in my face just yet, I still agree that the test-oriented system we were forced to mold ourselves into since we first learned to tie our muddy shoelaces has its flaws. It is impossible to recognize the qualities of students based on their SAT score, GPA and five hundred word statement. I agree that some students don’t possess great test-taking skills or the same academic luxuries as others. However, I continue to stand behind the system. Grades help hundreds of universities and colleges analyze the scholastic ability of the thousands of applicants they sort through on a yearly basis.
The words “grades don’t matter; they don’t define you,” have graced my tiny ears too many times to count. Of course, grades don’t define you. Grades in no way display the eighteen years of livable knowledge that you have hitherto accumulated. Unfortunately, it’s the fairest method to date. If you find yourself unable to accept this, please let me know when you think of a better solution. I’m down to listen, and so is CollegeBoard.
I feel that there is hypocrisy in those who seek recognition unrelated to academic numbers and trivialize those that do seek recognition in academic success. Some people strive at scholastic tests, while others don’t. It’s fine to believe your personal strengths don’t lie in Algebra or AP Lit, but it’s still important to appreciate those who do.
If your grades don’t define you, then by all means, find what truly defines you. Place emphasis on your areas of expertise instead of crying over the grades you don’t think you deserve.
As my second favorite red-haired man, Ed Sheeran, once retweeted, “If you ask a fish to climb a tree, it will never know of its own, great potential.
This is true. Not every student’s talents lie within the boundaries of high school, but that doesn’t mean there is no significance in earning an A in Algebra. If you’re a fish trying to climb a tree, find water and swim—don’t waste your time belittling the squirrels that specialize in climbing.
TCHS School Newspaper