A few days ago when I received my transcript along with my CRF, I quickly scanned to find my GPA, weighted and unweighted, next, the courses I needed to finish and my class rank. I searched high and low for it, reading and rereading each tiny detail, until I was sure it was not there. A little distraught, I asked my teacher if they only gave out class rank to seniors, and to my surprise, she told me that they do not give out class rank at all.
A few years ago, the school district decided to eliminate class rank as they believed it created unproductive competition and comparison between students. At first, when contemplating my opinion for this editorial, I thought I wanted to argue to reestablish class rank, but after talking to Principal Richard Nash and Michelle Bourget, the registrar, they convinced me otherwise.
My first thought was, if they do not make class rank, how do they choose a valedictorian? An honor that is typically based on your statistical prowess, “Valedictorian is mostly by GPA, it puts you in the running, if they’re close enough, it’s up to me to determine the value of the student and where they go. I’m a nice guy, generally, if you’re both close enough you both get it,” Nash said.
Another question in my mind was how not having class rank affected a student who wanted to go to the University of California with its statewide guarantee to accept students in the top nine percent of California high schools. According to University of California admissions, this process is not based on a student’s school’s class ranking but based on the statewide index, which they explain how to calculate on the website. This promise only means admittance to a UC, and students do not have a choice in the campus, nonetheless, it is a good opportunity and does not depend on your class rank according to Poway High, but according to the statewide index.
However, my queries were not over. Next, I walked to the counselor’s office and asked Bourget about colleges that required class rank. According to Bourget, at their request, schools a student applies to are given an information sheet about how Poway High calculates GPA, shows AP classes offered, and other information. And if a school asks for your class rank, they are told “We don’t rank,” Bourget said.
I also spoke to Counselor Monica Taylor and according to her, from there, college admissions can estimate your rank or consider your application based on other factors, like the merits of your essays, your GPA, or your extracurriculars.
Originally I was disappointed that I could not even request this information if I wanted to because it is not even tabulated, but considering how I would like to be judged on my college application, I understand how class rank could cause more problems than it is worth.
Today students already have to stress about GPA and AP, SAT, and ACT scores among other extracurricular, volunteer hours, and internships. So I’m glad that I also do not feel pressured to stress about trying to rise a percent or two between here and graduation.
I believe that this system is better because it considers the whole student and not just their numerical value. This makes the most sense in a world where some schools are still test-optional in the wake of COVID-19 and more than ever importance is placed more on the sort of person you are in your community compared to bare academics.
