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Valedictorian vs Salutatorian: which one ranks higher?

This may be a silly question, but could someone clarify the difference between a valedictorian and salutatorian? Who ranks higher in the class? Thanks so much!

9 months ago

Not a silly question at all! The difference between valedictorian and salutatorian is based on class ranking. The valedictorian holds the highest class rank, meaning they have the highest Grade Point Average (GPA) among all the students in their graduating class. As a result, they typically have the honor of delivering the valedictory speech during the graduation ceremony.

The salutatorian, on the other hand, is the student with the second-highest GPA in the graduating class. They often deliver the salutatory address, which is the opening speech during the ceremony.

So, in terms of ranking, the valedictorian is considered higher than the salutatorian. Both positions are certainly impressive achievements, and they reflect a high level of academic dedication and success.

9 months ago

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