Will Paying for Private School Earn You Better Grades?
April 23, 2010 | ama83
As distressing as it may seem, going to an expensive private school may actually improve students’ grade point averages. In a recent study, posted by Economix, the grades and SAT scores compared between students from public and private schools have been showing a growing diversion over the years. Though the average GPAs used to be equally balanced, the scale of high grades has been slowly shifting in favor of the private schools since the 1950’s.
While the average GPAs for public schools is at a 3.0, private schools are at a 3.3. This may not seem that dramatic a difference, though it may explain why some employers are impressed with degrees earned from private schools. People expect something a little extra from a private school compared to a public.
Depending on various perspectives, this could be seen as good or bad news. If students are forced to pay more to attend a private school, they should be expecting a better education, which will in-turn provide them better grades in the long haul, and possibly a better profile in future employers’ eyes. However, for those who cannot afford a private school, this information may be a bit disheartening. Why should privileged individuals be the only ones allowed the opportunity to earn higher grades?
Then again, the difference between GPAs may not be as dramatic as some people would like. For students who are struggling to pay that extra money for a private education, they may be hoping and expecting an even higher average than 3.3.
Of course, we should speculate the reasons why students earn higher grades in a private school. Not everyone earns a high GPA just because they attend a private school, obviously. Students have to apply themselves in order to get good grades. A 3.3 average is not a guarantee for every student. I would be willing to speculate that the higher GPAs may be the result of a different state of mind when attending a private school.
I know that if I had been able to attend Stanford University (like I had so dreamed of doing) I probably would have applied myself even harder than I did at my local university. I would have felt pressured to make the most of the money being spent on a prestigious institution. I would have had to sacrifice to attend such a school, and being among that kind of atmosphere would have made me feel obligated to try to fit in with the rest of the crowd. If I could not fit in with the rest of the ritzy crowd, at least I could try to impress others with my grades and dedication.
My point is that there would be higher expectations in going to a private school. Not only from the students, but maybe additional pressure from the parents who may be paying for their children’s education, as well.
In short, earning a better education could be a state of mind. If you cannot afford a private school, then do your best to apply yourself as best you can at a public college. That does not mean that private schools are not all that they are chalked up to be. But, not all students have to attend a high-end college to earn a good GPA.
What are other people’s thoughts on the differences between private and public colleges?
Well, my three children had home-school education through a private organization. The organization, however, made sure that our students tested a couple of times a year, as opposed to the once-a-year test public schools practice.
Testing twice a year served to signal the students and parents if there was “improvement needed” in a certain course. My children always showed test scores in the 90th percentile – definitely something for us as parents to be very proud of.
I agree with you, however, Ama83, that regardless of whether you are in a public or private school, applying yourself to do the very best you can should be a priority for any student. Take pride in the fact that you are getting an education!