Valedictorian vs. Successful Student: Unpacking the Real Measures of Achievement
The titles of valedictorian and salutatorian, long-standing symbols of academic excellence, are facing increasing scrutiny. Some schools are now ditching the traditional class rankings system, eliminating these titles from their lexicon, with Noblesville High School in Noblesville, Indiana, set to join this movement next year. This shift raises important questions about what truly defines success and whether traditional academic markers accurately predict future achievements.
The Valedictorian Ideal: A Closer Look
The term "valedictorian" originates from the Latin "vale dicere," meaning "to say farewell." Historically, the valedictorian delivered the final speech at graduation ceremonies. While the term is most commonly used in the United States, Canada, and the Philippines, other countries, such as Nigeria, are adopting it. Australia sometimes awards the title based on contributions to the school rather than academic success.
Typically, the valedictorian is the student with the highest grade point average (GPA). However, some institutions consider factors like academic rigor, extracurricular involvement, and public speaking skills. Some schools even opt for "co-valedictorians."
The Case Against Class Rankings
The value and fairness of the valedictorian system are increasingly debated. Concerns arise when the differences between top students are minimal or when students manipulate the system by taking easier courses for extra credit. Some schools have responded by eliminating the honor or allowing multiple recipients, sparking complaints of unfairness after the competition has begun.
The College Board notes that class size significantly affects the meaning of these titles. Being valedictorian in a class of 500 carries different weight than in a class of 40. Some schools have even seen an overabundance of valedictorians, such as South Medford High in Oregon (21 in 2013) and Enterprise High in Alabama (34 out of 84 graduates).
Read also: Who Can Be Valedictorian?
The Holistic Approach to College Admissions
Many colleges and universities still consider class rank, but it's just one factor in the holistic college application process. GPA, standardized test scores, and recommendation letters are also considered. A good class rank can improve admission chances, but it is not the sole determinant. Students who aren't valedictorian or salutatorian still have a good chance of getting accepted if their performance meets the mark.
However, some merit-based scholarships may have strict cutoffs based on class rank or percentage. Students aiming for specific scholarships should research the criteria, setting goals for GPA, class rank, and standardized test scores. Some colleges may offer automatic scholarships to valedictorians or salutatorians. After that, the next level is typically for the top percentage. Missing the top 10 percent cutoff doesn't mean a student won't qualify for other scholarships that focus on overall academic performance.
Beyond the Classroom: What Defines Real-World Success?
Karen Arnold, a researcher at Boston College, tracked 81 high school valedictorians and salutatorians to see what became of them. Of that group, 95 percent graduated from college with an average GPA of 3.6, and 60 percent obtained a master’s degree. Almost 90 percent held professional careers, and 40 percent reached the upper echelon in their field. While high school success predicted college success, Arnold noted that most valedictorians didn't reach the "very top of adult achievement arenas."
Arnold suggests two reasons for this. First, excelling in school often means following instructions and "doing what you are told," which demonstrates self-discipline but isn't necessarily a marker of intelligence. Millionaires, for example, often achieve their status through innovation, not just following rules. A study of 700 millionaires showed an average GPA of just 2.9. "In school, rules are very clear. In life, rules are not so clear."
Second, schools reward being a generalist, while the real world often values expertise. Valedictorians are "extremely well-rounded and successful, personally and professionally, but they’ve never been devoted to a single area in which they put all their passion." Intellectual students who enjoy learning may struggle in high school because they want to focus on their passions and find the structure stifling. Valedictorians, on the other hand, are often intensely pragmatic.
Read also: Memorable Valedictorian Speech
The Pressure to Achieve: A Balancing Act
High schoolers often face immense pressure to excel, especially if they are college-minded. Academics, extracurricular activities, volunteer positions, paid employment, and household obligations all contribute to this stress. A study of students at a high-performing school showed that nearly half experienced "a great deal of stress on a daily basis," with grades, homework, and college preparations as major causes.
While encouraging children to do their best is important, adding the pressure of becoming valedictorian or salutatorian may be unnecessary. School counselors can help students manage the stress of trying to achieve high class ranks.
Conformity vs. Innovation: The Key to Unlocking Potential
Shawn Achor's research at Harvard shows that college grades aren’t any more predictive of subsequent life success than rolling dice. Following the rules doesn’t create success; it just eliminates extremes-both good and bad. While this eliminates downside risk, it also frequently eliminates earthshaking accomplishments.
Karen Arnold noted, “Essentially, we are rewarding conformity and the willingness to go along with the system.” Many valedictorians admitted to not being the smartest kid in class, just the hardest worker, or that it was more an issue of giving teachers what they wanted than actually knowing the material better.
The Valedictory Address: A Farewell and a Beginning
The valedictory address, or valediction, is the closing statement delivered at a graduation ceremony. The speech is inspirational and persuasive, aiming to inspire the graduates and thank individuals responsible for their successes while reflecting on youthful frivolity and the accomplishments of the class.
Read also: Writing Valedictorian Speeches
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