text: If you are asking for a straight out answer, then you want the grades. Popularity won't get you into a college, but there are other forces in this decision. One, life is short, and being cool is important too. What's the point of living smart, but friendless when you only live one life? The WHOLE POINT OF LIFE IS TO HAVE FUN! That basically means you must acheive the perfects balance of popularity and brains. That balance however, is up to you to decide.