In a “fit of passion,” a high school teacher in the high-performing Palo Alto Unified School District in California’s Silicon Valley penned this piece, Kids With a 3.1 GPA: It’s an Honor to Write a College Recommendation Letter For You. And I enjoyed the encouragement for those students who don’t always set the curve.
“You might want to see some of the ways I describe students like you to college admissions officers: fiercely creative, independent, the opposite of ‘doing school,’ original, citizen of his community, would hire her in a minute, passionate learner. Are you surprised by these superlatives? I imagine you might be, since our system has told you that your GPA, your battle with depression, your loss of interest in rote work makes you a loser. Those kids in your class stressing about their early decisions at Northwestern University? You check your texts and wonder if your grandmother will like her glassblowing gift.”
I don’t have any problem lauding the kids who work hard, achieve stellar GPAs and test scores, and focus on gaining admission to a college of their choice. They’ve demonstrated a lot of the skills that it will take to be successful in life (which is exactly why their future success won’t be determined by whether that college of their choice says yes). It’s not easy to do these things, especially for a teenager. They deserve the credit they get.
But while the pressure of the college admissions process often directs praise to the highest achievers, it also sends some pretty damaging and inaccurate messages to those who aren’t at the top of the class.
You’re not good enough.
You’re not bound for greatness.
You’re average—your dreams should be, too.
It’s important for all levels of achievers to remember that high school—and the college admissions process—measures your ability to succeed in a limited arena, with limited instruments, for a limited time. Grades, test scores, admissions decisions, even letters of recommendation–none of those things predict with anything near certainty whether or not you will be successful later in life.
So if you aren’t setting the curve, if you don’t hold a regular spot on the awards stage, if high school hasn’t been your time to shine, remember that you’re not going to be in high school forever. Think about where you could be more successful, and what you would do differently in those circumstances. Try to channel some of that gumption into where you are today (success takes practice, so why not start now?). And most importantly, remember that there are people like this teacher who believe in you even when you don’t believe in yourself.