Explain the valedictorian and salutatorian meanings for me?

I've been hearing about these terms 'valedictorian' and 'salutatorian' a lot among my peers. I know they're kind of a big deal but what exactly do they mean? How are they determined? Do they really matter when applying for colleges or is it just for bragging rights?

Valedictorian and Salutatorian are prestigious titles awarded to high school, and sometimes college and university, students who have achieved academic excellence.

The title of valedictorian is bestowed upon the student with the highest cumulative grade point average (GPA) in a graduating class. Typically, they will have taken the most challenging courses available at their school, earning top grades throughout their high school career. This student is also often asked to deliver a speech during the graduation ceremony.

Salutatorian is the title given to the student with the second-highest GPA in a graduating class. They also usually deliver a speech at graduation, typically before the valedictorian. It's worth noting, however, that the specifics can slightly differ depending on the school's traditions.

As for their influence on college admissions, being a valedictorian or salutatorian can indeed benefit an application. It's an indication of consistent academic achievement and rigorous course selection, both of which are valued by colleges. That said, they're not the be-all and end-all factors; colleges also consider other aspects like extracurricular activities, essays, recommendation letters, test scores, and so on.

While the titles can certainly add to a student's college application, they are also a point of pride and recognition of hard work, discipline, and academic ability. So, it's about more than just bragging rights—it's about acknowledging exceptional achievement.