GPA, SAT, and ACT: What Really Matters While Trusting God Through the Journey

As parents of high school students, few seasons can feel more emotionally draining than the college admissions process. There's the GPA conversation. Then there's the SAT/ACT score conversation. Between social media, your guidance counselor, friends, and well-meaning other parents, you can suddenly find yourself living with pervasive pressure. Like your kid's entire future depends on a transcript or a test score.

     Both GPA and standardized testing matter for college admissions. From an admissions standpoint, GPA demonstrates long-term consistency, work ethic, and perseverance. SAT/ACT scores allow colleges to evaluate academic readiness on a standardized scale for students from different schools and backgrounds. Study after study and admission expert after admission expert will tell you that GPA will typically "weigh heavier" because it accounts for a student's discipline over the years, while test scores can still matter for scholarships, admissions competitiveness, and placement.

     But as Christian parents, we have the incredible opportunity to shift our kids' focus.

     College academics are important, but they don't have to be the end-all, be-all. Studying for these exams can teach our kids more about perseverance, character, trust, and their spiritual walk with Christ.

     Consider what a student learns about faithfulness just by maintaining a good GPA. It doesn't happen overnight. In fact, most of a student's GPA is built through mundane moments that rarely get applauded. It is built through late nights studying, showing up to class even when they don't feel like working, showing up after receiving a poor grade, and not giving up even when the class gets difficult.

     High school is really the first place where students learn about endurance.

     God speaks about perseverance throughout Scripture because he knows it doesn't happen overnight. James 1: 12 tells us, "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." James is talking about spiritual endurance here, and it applies perfectly to this trial. Perseverance only develops when we keep walking even when life is difficult.

     Sure, some kids are naturals in school. But other students have to fight for every "A" they earn. As parents, we have to remember that God is not comparing our kids to another child. He is molding them through their strengths and struggles.

     Maybe your student started high school off strong but has hit a few bumps in the road. Perhaps they started off weak but have gained the confidence and discipline to earn better grades. Admission experts actually look for this growth and can recognize resilience through a student's trajectory.

This matters for Christians because our endgame is not a stellar transcript. Our endgame is raising resilient children who know they can trust God when life isn't easy.

     Standardized tests are a different monster. While GPAs take years to develop, the SAT and ACT try to squeeze your kid's college readiness into a few hours. It's no surprise that many students feel immense pressure. One test could hold the key to where they attend college. With so much on the line, it's easy for teenagers to let emotions get the best of them.

But as parents, we have the unique privilege of reminding them who they are.

     Test prep is great. Tutoring and practice tests help. But students also need peace. They need their parents to remind them that their identity is found in Christ, not in a score report.

     Psalm 46: 1 reminds us, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Before your student walks into the testing center, that verse is more important than any other test prep strategy.

     Many students wrestle with fear throughout their testing season. They worry about letting their parents down. They start comparing themselves to classmates. They worry about not getting into the college of their dreams. Some students begin to tie their worth to their performance. Christian parents have the incredible privilege of speaking truth to these lies.

     Isaiah 41: 10 says, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you."

Can you imagine what it would do for your teen's anxiety if you looked them in the eyes and said, "Regardless of the score, I'm proud of you for working hard."

     Imagine how many students would step into a test feeling safe if they heard that from their parents. Too often, the world tells kids their value is based on performance. The parent can change that narrative.

     Did you know some of the best spiritual lessons students learn have nothing to do with getting into college? Rather, they learn to stay calm under pressure. They learn discipline. They learn how to bounce back after disappointment. They learn failure is not permanent. But most of all, they learn if they can trust God when they don't get the desired outcome.

Trust me. They will remember these lessons well beyond their high school career.

     I guarantee you your student will forget their SAT score a few years from now. But they will never forget if your house was filled with fear or faith during testing season. They will remember if you handled tough news with panic or peace.

     The college admissions process is constantly changing. Many schools use "holistic admission" models that evaluate students' leadership, extracurriculars, essays, service, and personal growth in addition to GPA and test scores. Some schools are hyper test-focused. Others place an extreme emphasis on GPA.

But while colleges sit in judgment of applications, God is looking at our kids' hearts.

     First Samuel 16: 7 says, "People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

     Let that soak in for a moment. This doesn't mean grades don't matter. Of course they do! As followers of Christ, we should equip our kids to be excellent students. Stewardship is important, and Colossians 3:23 tells us why: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord."

But why we work is just as important as how well we work.

     See, our kids should pursue academic excellence not because it will give them identity, approval, or worth. They pursue excellence because God has given them gifts, opportunities, and responsibilities. When we work hard for the glory of Christ, it becomes worship.

     We must remind our kids about both. Please celebrate your child's hard work and accomplishments. But when they fall off track or don't get the score they wanted, remind them of their growth, perseverance, and character. Tell them failure is not final. Some of the strongest and most successful adults have come from seasons of disappointment and hardship.

     Romans 5: 3-4 tells us, "Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."

     Even high school can teach our kids about this kind of hope.

     Ultimately,

GPA matters. SAT/ACT scores matter. Preparing for these moments matters. But more than that, teaching our kids to trust God through each setback, each hardship, and each test will matter far more than any college they attend.

Hope lasts longer than any diploma. Help them to see the eternal perspective in this season.

Your Next Big Step by Sean Gibson will walk with you through this season of life. College preparation, financial management, spiritual readiness, and mentorship. This book will equip you to lead your teenager with wisdom, clarity, and confidence.

You are preparing them for more than graduation. You are preparing them for life.

Walk with your student and get them off to a good start. Get your copy today on Amazon: https://a.co/d/03jx6ICf