Neither of my kids ever focused significantly on grades. They got good grades. #1 was not an “honors” student (3.90+ GPA) in H.S. [though had extremely high test scores], but graduated “with honors” from UChicago. However, he found it curious that when he interviewed for his first job as a business consultant the company wanted to know his college GPA as well as details about his HIGH SCHOOL activities. Q. “So, you were a champion debater in high school. What does that do for us?” His A: “Debaters read a ton of stuff, on subjects that they don’t necessarily have deep knowledge of. But I can take a complex article on any subject, read it, and write a summary in 30 minutes. And my summary will be VERY accurate.” That’s a skill that may matter in an industry that focuses on information. He got the job.
For my daughter, who attended art school (RISD) it was more important that they awarded her a “Rachael Carson Award” than that she had good grades. After all what do grades matter for artists? What matters is their talent, as reflected in their portfolio. And the award marked her significant interest in environmental design (which is still a major interest of hers now that she’s in the economy).
My point: grades matter, but extracurricular achievements – or products of your work – may matter just as much or more.