<p>Colleges recalculate the gpa so that they can compare apples to apples. So padding the transcript is of little use in college admissions. But a lot of games can be played for the valeditorian/salutatorian honors as many schools have some intricacies in the way the gpa for those are computed. Putting off a course that may give a low grade until second semester senior year or other strategic moves can enhance one's chances.</p>