<p>I apologize if this thread has been brought up before, however my question is as such. Which is more important? Class rank or GPA or Course Rigor. My school is VERY rigorous, and i put emphasis on it. I am easily in the top 2~3 %, but have a 3.5 UW GPA, while taking the hardest courses that my school. My school is tough, and i think no one has above a 3.6 UW GPA in our school. However, as far as i know, the school does not rank officially, or does not disclose ranks. So my question is in summary: Will having the most rigorous course load in my school but being in the top 2-3% with a lower GPA than other applicants really hurt my chances in college. Also, i am an international student if that helps.</p>
<p>If you have to put them in order… Course rigor > Rank > GPA.</p>
<p>Course rigor is paramount. High Rank/GPA in easy courses is not impressive.
Rank is second. The actual value of your GPA doesn’t matter as long as you have a high rank.
GPA is third because… it’s just a number and means almost nothing out of context.</p>
<p>If your school doesn’t rank, you’re kinda in a pickle. Your counselor will submit a report that indicates the highest GPA of any student in your graduating class, so that will help you. The schools you’re applying to may also have historical data from your school to compare you with. It is also possible that you are ranked and the rank just isn’t disclosed to students, in which case it will also be on the counselor report.</p>
<p>But in general, no, having a low GPA will not hurt you at all if you are still at the top of your class.</p>
<p>You are in same situation as me!</p>
<p>And I agree with Course Rigor > Rank > GPA</p>
<p>In counselor’s recommendation, he/she must check the box, if a student took the most demanding course or not. Colleges will love to see that box check-marked. </p>
<p>Then, your rank would be important, but if your school doesn’t provide rank just like mine, they will give you percentages. For example in my school they give percentages, like cumulative GPA of 95-100=2%, 90-94=20% blah blah blah. So, colleges will know which group you belong.</p>
<p>Your 3.6GPA doesn’t mean anything without context. More extremely, transcript with all B’s can be rank#1 in some schools, and colleges will not care about B’s in transcript.</p>