Why Your Student’s GPA Matters More Than You Think for Financial Aid
When most families think about GPA, they think about getting into college. But GPA isn’t just about admissions—it’s also a major driver of merit-based financial aid.
At Diversified College Planning, we show families how to position their student’s academic record to qualify for substantial aid at the right schools. GPA can often be the difference between full-price tuition and tens of thousands in scholarships.
How Colleges Use GPA in Award Decisions
Colleges consider GPA as a key factor when awarding merit aid—especially at schools that don’t offer need-based aid. Here’s what many families don’t realize:
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Even a 0.2 difference in GPA can move a student into a higher scholarship tier
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Weighted vs. unweighted GPA policies vary by school
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Some schools have automatic merit grids, while others use GPA as a starting point for holistic aid review
It’s Not Just About the Number
GPA strategy also includes:
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Choosing rigorous classes that still allow for strong grades
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Avoiding GPA-damaging course loads in junior and senior year
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Positioning GPA in the context of test scores and activities
We help families identify which colleges reward GPA most generously—and how to build an academic path that maximizes aid potential.
Contact Us Today:
Want to turn your student’s GPA into financial aid? We’ll show you how to make it work in your favor.
📞 Call us at 770-662-8510
📅 Schedule a free consultation: Book with Jarad
Or visit our Contact Page: https://diversifiedcollegeplanning.com/contact-us/
