GALWAY–Last year at a Board of Education meeting, the question of whether or not grades should be weighted more depending on the difficulty of the course came up. For instance, if a student takes an Advanced Placement class or a college level class, should those grades be counted for more in their overall grade point average or should it be kept the way it is now? As it stands now, harder classes are counted for as much as a regular level course to calculate the students overall grade point average. I know that this was a very controversial topic while determining the top ten of last year’s graduating class.

For me, the choice is obvious on whether or not these courses should count more towards your average. Being a senior this year, I have been able to take advantage of multiple college level and advanced placement classes. When I met with Mrs. Morck to talk about my standings in the class, and talk about what I am planning on doing after graduation, I found out that I am graduating with fourteen college credits because of all of the opportunities I have taken throughout my high school career. I am very grateful for these opportunities, because as many of you know – it’s a lot cheaper to takes these classes in high school than it is in college, and you still get the same amount of credits. Although I am grateful for this and am glad that I pushed myself to gain these college credits, I am a little regretful for taking these courses. Why? Because it has lowered my overall grade point average tremendously. I do well in these classes, however, they’re obviously harder than regular classes other students take, therefore my average will be a little lower than someone who took easier classes than I did.

Last year, when this topic was brought to the Board, the Board listened clearly and is taking it into consideration. Being a cashier at the Galway Market, I often see many Board members and talk to them about this. After the last time I talked to one of the members, she told me that they are trying to come up with the best plan of action for this. Many of the members believe that this is a common occurrence, and would like to take care of it as soon as they can, however if they do come up with a compromise for the situation, it wouldn’t be in effect until the upcoming freshman class comes into high school.

What do you think? Leave a comment below expressing your opinion. Should college level classes should be weighed more in your GPA than regular level classes?