Can someone explain to me how the valedictorian is usually chosen in high school? Is it always based on GPA?
Absolutely, happy to help with that! The valedictorian of a high school is typically the student with the highest weighted GPA in the graduating class - this includes grades from all four years of high school. However, the process can vary among different schools.
Mostly, the distinction between weighted and unweighted GPAs matters. The weighted GPA takes into account the difficulty of the courses a student takes. Advanced Placement (AP), Honors, and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses usually carry more weight, meaning students in these classes can earn a GPA higher than a 4.0, if their school uses a 4-point scale. This means that a student taking more rigorous courses could potentially have a higher GPA than a student who earned straight A's but took less challenging classes.
Some schools may consider additional factors beyond just the GPA when determining the valedictorian. For example, they might look at the rigor of the courses the student took, their involvement in extracurricular activities, community service, or other leadership roles.
Moreover, the timeline for determining the valedictorian varies by school. Some may calculate it after the fall semester of senior year, while others wait until the second semester grades are also factored in.
Keep in mind, the trend of having a valedictorian is changing in some schools. Some high schools have moved away from ranking students entirely, or recognize multiple high-achieving students instead of naming a single valedictorian. Always check with your specific high school's policy to understand how they choose the valedictorian.
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