In high school, heavy emphasis is placed on earning a high grade point average (GPA), a common measure of student academic achievement. Some may argue that a person’s GPA matters more than actual knowledge, and in some cases, it does. A higher GPA often opens more doors and opportunities for an individual to get into their college or university of choice, with perhaps a scholarship to boot. But while a GPA yields immediate results, actual knowledge matters more because it serves the person throughout their lifetime.

GPA determines short-term success and only matters when applying for college or scholarships. When applying and interviewing for jobs well after college is over, employers are not going to ask to see someone’s GPA to determine whether or not they are suitable for the position. They are going to base the decision on the knowledge someone has of the particular job responsibilities. GPA scores become a thing of the past, while the skills and knowledge gained are what will move one forward in life.

Further, a high GPA does not guarantee critical thinking or communication skills. It is just a number meant to give someone a jump start at obtaining a career. It is a person’s knowledge base that makes him or her successful, since GPA scores can be misleading and not representative of the knowledge someone has. For example, someone may score a high GPA only through studying hard and cramming, but will often forget everything after completing the test. Meanwhile, a student with a lower GPA may have the knowledge, but will do poorly because of test-taking struggles.

Thus, it is evident that GPA scores may open doors for students, but a good, strong knowledge base is what truly matters. Truly learning and retaining information is necessary for problem-solving, communication and critical thinking skills. Knowledge provides long-lasting support for ongoing success in life. In other words, what students learn in life far outweighs their GPA.