High School Myth Busting
- leedyeg
- Nov 7
- 4 min read
A short debunking of some frequent myths about high school that students may hear before they start.
Myth:
As long as your grades are good enough to graduate, your GPA doesn't matter.
Truth:
In Canada, your GPA (or average) can have a pretty big effect, especially when it comes to getting into college or university. Admissions teams mainly look at your grades in key Grade 11 and 12 courses related to the program you’re applying to, and those numbers can make a big difference. For competitive programs, those GPA cutoffs can be pretty high, so consistency is key. Additionally, acceptance to a University is generally conditional, and requires not only that your grade stays above a certain percentage, but also that there are no major declines in your GPA. A strong average can also help you qualify for scholarships (entrance awards, Alexander Rutherford Scholarship, etc.), meaning more funding right from the start! Beyond admissions, keeping your grades up shows that you’re disciplined, and building solid study habits that’ll help you long after high school.
How much your GPA matters in high school is determined on what path you choose to take. Depending on the university or college you choose, and what program you want (or if you choose not to go to university), grades in certain classes may have different impacts. When you have an idea of what you want after high school, just pay attention to what grades that path requires.
Myth:
You have to get the highest grade/take the hardest class to succeed.
Truth:
You don’t need to take the hardest classes or get the top mark in everything to succeed. Sometimes choosing a course that’s a better fit (even if it’s considered “easier”) helps you actually learn and enjoy what you’re studying. When you’re not drowning in extra work, you often understand the material better and have more energy (and time) for things you care about outside of class. Sure, advanced or transfer-credit courses can be helpful, but plenty of students get into their top programs without them. Don’t stress out too much if you see your friends or classmates doing “harder” classes or getting higher grades, everyone has their own priorities and makes decisions with them in mind. What matters most is finding balance, doing your best in the classes you do choose to take, and leaving room for the stuff that keeps you motivated.
Myth:
You need to know what you want your future to be like after high school.
Truth:
You don’t need to have your whole future figured out in high school. Most people don’t! When you apply to university or college, you’re applying to a program, not locking yourself into a lifelong career. In fact, many students decide to change their major after starting their university program, to find a better fit. It’s totally okay to still be exploring your interests. Try out different subjects, volunteer, or get involved in new experiences to see what sparks your curiosity. You might discover something you’ve never even considered before. People change, interests shift, and that’s completely normal. What matters is staying open and giving yourself permission to explore your path, which will start to take shape as you go!
Myth:
AP (or IB) won’t affect your grades or social life.
Truth:
Since AP and IB classes move faster and cover more material, it can be harder to get the same high grades you might in a regular class. They take more effort and time, which can sometimes mean less free time to do extracurriculars, part-time jobs, or just relax or hang out with friends. This is important to consider when deciding if you want to take these classes, and sometimes it can be more beneficial for your studies (and health) to only take a few AP or IB classes, or even none at all.
However, this doesn’t mean those classes or programs are not worth it! They can really help you grow as a student, and you’ll learn how to manage your time, stay organized, and push yourself academically. Most students also find the transition to university much smoother after taking these programs. It might take some extra work, but many students find that the challenge is rewarding and helps them feel more prepared for the future, even beyond just academics!
Myth:
Grade 10 marks don’t matter.
Truth:
It’s true that Grade 10 marks usually aren’t the ones universities look at directly, so there is less stress about making them perfect. If your Grade 10 marks are lower than you would like, that does not mean the rest of your high school classes will also be a source of struggle for you. There is still time to improve your work and study habits. But Grade 10 marks still matter more than you would think, just not directly. The habits and skills you build in Grade 10 (such as studying effectively, managing your time, and keeping up with harder material) set the foundation for the next few years. If you’re struggling in Grade 10, you might find the jump to senior-level courses tougher, and your teachers might suggest a less intense program. On the other hand, putting in effort now can make Grades 11 and 12 a lot smoother! So while these marks don’t define your future, they’re a good chance to learn, grow, and prepare for what’s coming next.
Myth:
Student performance drops in first year of high school.
Truth:
The transition to high school can definitely take some adjusting. You meet new teachers, new expectations, and a different workload, so it’s normal if your marks change a little at first. But that doesn’t mean your performance has to drop. It also doesn’t mean that if it does drop, you can never raise it again. Once you get used to the new routines and figure out how to manage your time, most students find their rhythm again pretty quickly! Starting high school is really about learning how to balance everything, from classes to friends, activities, hobbies, and anything else that you may have going on, while getting comfortable with a new school. So even if things feel overwhelming at first, it’s totally normal and you aren’t alone. With a bit of effort and consistency, you’ll find your stride!
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