Academics First: Why Colleges Prioritize Grades Over Activism
In the past few years, student activism has become more common in various high schools across the United States. Many students participate in protests, clubs, and organizations that focus on social justice, environmental issues, and political awareness. These activities allow students to express their opinions and create change in their communities.
While colleges often say they value leadership and involvement, academic performance continues to play a larger role in the admissions process. Although activism can strengthen an application, colleges still favor academics when deciding who to accept.
College admissions are highly competitive, especially at selective universities. Colleges must choose students who they believe will succeed in challenging academic environments. According to the College Board, grades in college preparatory courses, GPA, and academic rigor are some of the most important factors considered during admissions.
These academic indicators help colleges predict how well a student will handle college-level coursework and responsibilities. They also show a student’s consistency, time management, and ability to meet long-term expectations.
Many admissions officers believe academic success is the strongest indicator of future performance. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling, academic factors are ranked higher than extracurricular activities when applications are reviewed.
This shows that while involvement and leadership are important, they usually come after academic readiness. Colleges want students who have demonstrated consistency, effort, and responsibility in their studies.
“I do not believe strong academic performance is the most important factor in college admissions. While academics matter, colleges also want to know why you want to be there and how you will contribute, because once accepted, you represent that college,” said Brian Emmanuel Bradshaw, a freshman at Morehouse College.
Activism is often grouped with extracurricular activities rather than treated as a core requirement. Colleges may admire students who organize events or advocate for causes, but activism alone rarely outweighs weak grades.
Students who balance strong academics with meaningful involvement are more likely to stand out. This balance shows that a student can manage responsibilities both inside and outside the classroom.
“I believe it’s a balance, but mainly academics. Colleges want to see that you can handle your schoolwork while staying involved, because they need students who are intellectually prepared for college-level challenges,” said senior Jarol Tineosanto.
Another reason colleges prioritize academics is to ensure fairness and neutrality. Activism can involve political or controversial topics, which may raise concerns about bias in admissions. According to Inside Higher Ed, some admissions officers do value meaningful activism, but only when it supports a strong academic record rather than replacing it. Academic data provides a more consistent way to compare applicants.
Overall, colleges favor academics over activism because academic performance is easier to measure and more closely connected to college success, as it reflects a student’s ability to handle coursework, manage time, and meet academic expectations. Activism can help students stand out, especially when it shows leadership and commitment. However, strong academics remain the foundation of college admissions decisions, with activism serving as an important but secondary factor.
