Does Grade Point Average Matter for Matriculation into Postsecondary Education?

Abstract

Does a student’s high school grade point average (HSGPA) of 2.5 or greater determine or predict a successful post-secondary enrollment? For this research, historical data from the 2015-2021 cohorts of Upward Bound Catonsville (UBC) scholars were retrieved from the UBC Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) Blumen Database report. To ensure our scholars maintain a 2.5 or better HSGPA, UBC uses several methodologies to monitor and intervene if necessary to ensure that the benchmark is being upheld including monthly check-ins with assigned program coordinators, Tutor.com, and virtual tutoring with faculty. An all-hands-on-deck approach is put into play if a student slips below a 2.5 HSGPA; they are then assigned to meet with the program director until their HSGPA exceeds 2.5 HSGPA. These approaches are a combined methodology that somewhat mimics the graded response model (GRM) and hybrid data analytics (HDA). The qualitative and quantitative data show that HSGPA matters for UBC scholars with successful enrollment into post-secondary education. It is not the only thing universities or colleges use; however, it levels the playing field. The research shows that a 2.5 or higher HSGPA is recommended to enroll in post-secondary education and speaks to many characteristics of an individual’s work ethic. When comparing CCBC average HSGPA of all freshmen students and all transfer students who enter the fall semesters, the UBC graduates’ HSGPA is around 0.50 basis points higher. Post-secondary attainment helps lower unemployment ratios, improve quality of life, and reduce systemic poverty. If we want to solve some of America’s labor ills, the findings support and suggest starting with getting a student’s HSGPA to 2.5 or greater.