Eva Guo (10) | STAFF REPORTER
60s, 90s, 100s — what do they mean? Are they just numbers on a paper or a prophecy of future success? As much as the student who just received a 49% on their biology test would like to believe that those test grades are meaningless, the unfortunate but undeniable reality is that the numbers in angry red ink that haunt our nightmares are an accurate indicator of success.
Grades measure essential skills like time management, analytical thinking, and performance under pressure, all of which are critical for success in both academic and professional settings. Achieving high grades requires students to demonstrate these skills, which are transferable to many real-world scenarios.
A common counter-argument is that grades only assess specific types of intelligences, such as memorization and test-taking skills, and fail to account for creativity, emotional intelligence, or interpersonal skills. While grades may not capture every form of intelligence, they reflect foundational skills that are broadly applicable and serve as a reliable starting point for success.
In the way that society functions, high grades unlock access to prestigious post secondary education, scholarships, and professional opportunities. These opportunities can significantly increase a student’s prospects for success. For many, grades are a stepping stone to achieving broader life goals. While socioeconomic factors can influence academic performance, with more wealthy families being able to afford tutoring and extra classes, it ultimately comes down to the individual student and their ability to apply these teachings.
As a result, studies consistently show a positive correlation between academic performance and professional achievements, particularly in careers like medicine, law, and engineering, difficult and high-value jobs that require high grades to fulfill their post secondary requirements. These, as well as other successful careers, require the skills and knowledge reflected in grades.
Some like to bring up examples of individuals who were academic dropouts and still became incredibly successful in life. However it is important to note that these are only rare instances and do not apply to the majority of people. It is unrealistic for people to look to these one-in-a-million cases and expect it to apply to them as well.
While not a perfect metric, grades remain a strong indicator of a student’s possession of the essential knowledge and skills to be successful in today’s society.
