#157 Decoding GPA Confusion Before College Apps with Ann LaFemina

Flourish Coaching

Jan 14, 2025

In this episode, Lisa and Ann discuss:

The role of grades and GPA as a fundamental aspect of college admissions
Differentiating weighted versus unweighted GPA systems and their significance in the college admissions process
The value of understanding high school profiles and how they influence college application reviews
Finding a balance between academic ambition and emotional well-being in the high school years

Key Takeaways:

Colleges universally prioritize high school transcripts as the core admission criteria, focusing on both the GPA and the rigor of courses taken, as supported by National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) data.
A high school profile contextualizes GPA, course availability, and rigor to admissions officers, making it a crucial document for families to review early in high school.
Weighted GPAs, which add extra value for advanced classes, offer a clearer picture of academic rigor; students can explore tools like RecalculateMyGPA.com.
Striving for academic challenge should be done thoughtfully, aligning with personal strengths and goals to avoid burnout while ensuring well-rounded involvement in extracurriculars.

“Colleges don’t want kids who just have their nose down in a book. They want kids who are adding to their community and involved in extracurriculars. So that’s why I’m really passionate about building that career awareness alongside that self-awareness as early as 10th grade.” – Ann LaFemina

About Ann LaFemina:

Ann LaFemina is a lifelong educator with extensive experience in college admissions and counseling. She began her career supporting college-bound students in Long Island, New York, and later became an adjunct professor. After moving to Florida in 2008, Ann established a private consulting practice and led the college counseling program at Cardinal Mooney High School, where she earned the 2022 Outstanding Service Award. Specializing in diverse majors, she now provides personalized counseling as part of the JRA Educational Consulting team.

Episode References:

Re-calculate Your GPA the Same Way as Most Colleges: https://recalculatemygpa.com/

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