The honor roll is a classification students become a part of when they have a certain grade point average (GPA). The system can vary by school, but generally students that have a GPA falling between 3.6 and 4.0 or higher are considered to be part of the honor roll system. Also, the honor roll is time specific. In other words, the qualifications are based per semester of grades, rather than your overall GPA at the end of your high school career.
So how does the honor roll system affect you in terms of going to college? Colleges do look highly upon honor roll students. You will definitely earn points during the admissions process if you explain in your essay that you made the honor roll every semester during high school. At the same time, however, colleges are more likely to look at the bottom line. They are more interested in your overall GPA rather than what your GPA was every semester in high school.
Also, they will look at each individual class on your transcript. Some high school students make the honor roll by making an “A” in an Advanced Placement (AP) class while making a “C” in a general class. This is because AP classes are worth more points than general and honors classes. If you do well in AP Chemistry but not so well in 10th grade English, do not be surprised if a high-ranking college does not admit you.
The honor roll is definitely a confidence booster and it can help you secure scholarships for college. To get admitted to a school, the focus should be on your overall success in school and not just the ranking that comes with being an honor roll student. Also be sure to get involved in your community and in extracurricular activities to make you stand out more.