Yes, many variables come into play. Both of my kids went to what I guess I’d classify as high match/low reach schools and both had slightly better GPAs in college as compared to HS. The variables I’d attribute this to include:
–They went to a very challenging public HS – the upside is that they were well prepared for college level work.
–I think both kid’s study habits/intensity improved while they were in college (ex. they seemed to start studying further in advance for major exams, got head starts on big papers/projects etc.)
–Both kids found majors that were really in their wheelhouse. Once they finished their college’s core/distribution requirements and got more into the upper level classes in their majors, both kids’ grades got better and better.