Does GPA Matter More Than SAT or ACT Scores?

It depends, but GPA usually has a home-field advantage. Your GPA tells the long-term story: say, years of late-night studying, early-morning exams, and maybe even a dramatic group project or two. Your standardized test scores? They’re one-day snapshots. Many colleges are test-optional now, but almost none are GPA-optional. That said, strong test scores can still help if your GPA needs backup dancers. But if you’ve got a great GPA and solid course rigor, you’re already shining. So yes, always keep in mind that GPA usually carries more weight, but a knockout SAT/ACT score? That’s still a nice cherry on top.