How much do grades really matter in college?

[brentkid]

Probably a retarded question but I'm only a freshman in college so bare with me. I had an okay semester in the fall. I think I finished with a GPA around 3.3. It's not to my fullest capability but whatever, I was dealing with a lot of stress which directly effected my studying habits. This semester I'm pretty sure I'll be finishing with about the same GPA. Again, a lot of stress carried over from the first semester into the next.

Now my question is simply how far do grades take you in terms of employment after graduation? I've told myself that no one cares what you really got, just where you graduated from and that you actually passed. As long as you weren't getting borderline grades, it wouldn't effect you much. I'm just curious if I'm correct at all.

It probably seems stupid but I'm developing a paranoia that in three years I will be (in most cases unless I go to grad school), out in the real world looking for a job. I just want to find some security in the fact that I'm not doomed in attempting to find a job. A lot of kids I went to school with have GPAs lower than mine and don't really seemed phased by it while I'm freaking out over having a 3.3. I realized I have plenty of time to raise it but I don't believe classes will get any easier from here on out.

So yeah, I'm just curious. It's probably an impossible question to answer fully considering not every single employer is looking for the same thing but on the greater scheme of things, I'm curious how it works out.

[Yes. And?]

I'd imagine graduate schools would look at that sort of thing, along with internships, teacher recs, etc. Competitive, professional jobs would take all those things into consideration too.

Will they look into your freshmen year as much as later years, especially junior year? Also, I didn't know a 3.3 was poor. That's pretty good, imo.
:shrug:

[1Roth4]

well obviously if you're satisfied with just getting your degree marks shouldn't be of a concern. However, if you make the deans list (or at least thats what they call it in Canada when you get about an 80% avg) that will look good on your resume.

Grad Schools marks are important. But realistically, just a degree doesn't get you too far anymore. I'm not sure what a freshman is, but i'm thinking you have a few years left of college or university, so you'll have plenty of time to improve your average

edit: 1st year marks are always low. they'll improve once you specialize in your interest of study

[Yes. And?]

A freshmen is a first year high school or college student.

[1Roth4]

A freshmen is a first year high school or college student.

thats what i figured. i get lost in American terminology

[brentkid]

Thanks guys. I don't know. I'm just freaking out in general about school. I literally have no idea what I want to do or focus my studies in. I think that's part of the reason why I'm not doing so well. I've hated just about every class I've taken. They've bored me to death. I've only enjoyed my politics class thus far but I really don't see myself pursuing anything related to law.

[Yes. And?]

Major in political science if that's what you're interested in. No way could I major in something I didn't like for the next four years.

Maybe this helps: http://www.worldwidelearn.com/online-education-guide/social-science/political-science-major.htm

[takingbackrufio]

First of all: relax. Second of all: do what you enjoy. If you're not, you're either wasting your time or willing to settle down for a high-paying job that you'll hate. Some people enjoy engineering or medicine and earn a lot of money doing those things -- and that's fine. They are respectable degrees and professions. But, they are not for everyone. Others want to major in humanities or social sciences that usually don't pay as much, but that's what they're interested in. You can't go in thinking that "everything will work itself out" -- but if you work hard and apply the analytical and communicative skills that you have learnt, it's not a dead end.

As far as grades go, from my research I think Yes. And? summed it up decently.

[1Roth4]

Thanks guys. I don't know. I'm just freaking out in general about school. I literally have no idea what I want to do or focus my studies in. I think that's part of the reason why I'm not doing so well. I've hated just about every class I've taken. They've bored me to death. I've only enjoyed my politics class thus far but I really don't see myself pursuing anything related to law.

Take Political Science. I have nothing but good things to say about the 4 yrs. I took of it.

I may even consider a post-grad program in the U.S next yr. it doesn't necessarily have to be focused towards law. Political Science contribute to a lot of relative topics besides law.

good luck man.

[Chancetobe]

Wow, topic of the night for me. I've been freaking out that my 3.2 won't get me into law school while my roomates talk about applying to Harvard and Stanford.

[theguilt engine]

I can't get anything less than a C- in any of my core classes...which is nice.

[brentkid]

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone that offered some input - it's greatly appreciated. I'm thinking of looking into more classes in Political Science actually, haha.

[billyboatkid]

Fuck college. I hate it.

[BikeMore]

where i go you can pretty much never show up and still graduate. it's ridiculous. but it's some crappy little art school. i used to go to some equally dumb university where it only mattered a little bit more. they were more likely to put you on academic probation, and that was pretty much the only difference.
oddly enough, where i'm at now has a lower dropout rate and generally high gpa overall.

[Neo Cassady]

Watch Rules of Attraction. Count how many times you see people go to class. That's how much grades matter.


anything over a 3.0 is generally fine unless you want to go to law or med school

[Chris Fallon]

Depends on what kind of internships and recommendations you want/need. I think you can definitely half-ass your way through and still be okay, but its a fine line and I say do it in your first two years so you can have a lot of fun now and not before it's too late.

[scole]

Take Political Science. I have nothing but good things to say about the 4 yrs. I took of it.

Same here. Actually, when I first started college, I thought I wanted to be an engineer. It was what the family wanted me to do, and I just thought, "ok, how hard could it be?"
Well, it didn't take long before I figured out that I really didn't enjoy it at all. I was completely disinterested in drawing and/or reading schematics, figuring tolerances, and all that sort of thing. It was just something that my brain wasn't wired for. So after a 1.86 autumn quarter of my freshman year, I figured I'd better do something. Changed my major to political science (even though the parents weren't too happy about me leaving the engineering field), which was something I have always loved, and things have been great ever since.

[Rock]

Probably a retarded question but I'm only a freshman in college so bare with me. I had an okay semester in the fall. I think I finished with a GPA around 3.3. It's not to my fullest capability but whatever, I was dealing with a lot of stress which directly effected my studying habits. This semester I'm pretty sure I'll be finishing with about the same GPA. Again, a lot of stress carried over from the first semester into the next.

Now my question is simply how far do grades take you in terms of employment after graduation? I've told myself that no one cares what you really got, just where you graduated from and that you actually passed. As long as you weren't getting borderline grades, it wouldn't effect you much. I'm just curious if I'm correct at all.

It probably seems stupid but I'm developing a paranoia that in three years I will be (in most cases unless I go to grad school), out in the real world looking for a job. I just want to find some security in the fact that I'm not doomed in attempting to find a job. A lot of kids I went to school with have GPAs lower than mine and don't really seemed phased by it while I'm freaking out over having a 3.3. I realized I have plenty of time to raise it but I don't believe classes will get any easier from here on out.

So yeah, I'm just curious. It's probably an impossible question to answer fully considering not every single employer is looking for the same thing but on the greater scheme of things, I'm curious how it works out.
At least as far as internships go, certain employers actually have a GPA requirement. Mine wasn't grand, so that me inelligble for certain relatively attractive internships. It might not be quite as important post-graduation (unless you want to go to grad school - then it's extremely important). I can't see a prospective employer completely ignoring it, though.

[thatsignant]

the only thing that matters in college is who you know

[hoss pinkerton]

yeah your grades are certainly going to matter if you want to be a poli sci major. the best job offers are going to come from you getting a masters, possibly in public management which syracuse has a fabulous program in. you need at least a 3.0, and from there its who you know, how you use what you know and a bit of luck.

[lowemae]

It really all depends on your major and whether or not you plan on going to grad school. Some internships require a certain GPA but most of the time if your above a 2.8, your fine. I know right now as a liberal arts major about to graduate in a month, there has not been a single employer ask about my GPA. The only GPA I had to maintain to stay in my major was a 2.3, so I really didn't stress over making outstanding grades. Talk to seniors that are in your same major at your school. They should help you out more than anyone on this thread because they have been through the same program you are going through and are interviewing with possibly the same employers that you will be interviewing with in a few years.

[RickRoll]

Most people have basically already said it. A 50%(2.0 GPA) gets you your degree. That's enough for getting a lot of jobs, so long as you possess a degree.

However, any graduate studies will require a much higher GPA. Even getting another Bachelor's degree, like a Bachelor of Education, in order to teach, will have a GPA requirement, so that will matter.

And to the law school person, your LSAT is just as important as your grades. If you ace your LSAT, your grades can become secondary in a hurry.

[SgtSmegma]

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone that offered some input - it's greatly appreciated. I'm thinking of looking into more classes in Political Science actually, haha.

This is one of my majors. I enjoy it.

[brentkid]

Just in case anyone was curious at all, I've been doing better. I guess I made this thread after panicking over some grades I wasn't really happy with. Fortunately, I've just had two exams that I got a 90 and 89 on so I guess I was being too dramatic.

I also looked into communications as a major when I transfer but I'm keeping political science in minds as well.

Thanks again to everyone who lent some insight.

[Villanova1L]

Wow, topic of the night for me. I've been freaking out that my 3.2 won't get me into law school while my roomates talk about applying to Harvard and Stanford.

Your LSAT is going to matter a ton more than your GPA. That said a 3.2 is an uphill climb for HYS (Harvard Yale Stanford, the top 3). I got into a decent law school (Villanova) with a 2.7, so from a low GPA standpoint I see what you're talking about.

[Chancetobe]

Your LSAT is going to matter a ton more than your GPA. That said a 3.2 is an uphill climb for HYS (Harvard Yale Stanford, the top 3). I got into a decent law school (Villanova) with a 2.7, so from a low GPA standpoint I see what you're talking about.

Wow, that is such a relief to hear. I don't need to get into a top 3, just a top 50 so that my dad will pay for it. Do you mind if I ask what your LSAT's were, and what activities you did, ect?

[theguy77]

Fuck college. I hate it.

amen. the social aspects i hate about college (the fact that 95% of the student body has nothing better to do EVER than go to a party that isnt even that good of a party, just beer pong and trying to get laid basically) have seriously affected my focus on class since all i focus on is going home every weekend to my real friends.

[billyboatkid]

amen. the social aspects i hate about college (the fact that 95% of the student body has nothing better to do EVER than go to a party that isnt even that good of a party, just beer pong and trying to get laid basically) have seriously affected my focus on class since all i focus on is going home every weekend to my real friends.

Yeah for sure, thats why I only drink with my friends and when there is a party I just go to chill. Never get MIP's haha.

[laxcrs]

its more about networking and yeh grades dont matter unless your going to law or med school

[laxcrs]

amen. the social aspects i hate about college (the fact that 95% of the student body has nothing better to do EVER than go to a party that isnt even that good of a party, just beer pong and trying to get laid basically) have seriously affected my focus on class since all i focus on is going home every weekend to my real friends.

that sucks, university of maryland is a good time from what i hear

[jedh]

Luckily, who you are still matters more for finding a job or an internship than a number on a 4.0 scale does. I am finishing up a double major in Communication Arts and Chinese at U. of Wisconsin and although my GPA isn't spectacular, people i have interviewed with for jobs quickly look past my GPA when i talk about my abroad experiences, work experience and interests. I wish the education system put emphasis on retention and actual learning that regurgitation skills on tests or quizes. Grades definitely matter, but making yourself crazy over your GPA is probably less beneficial than working hard and enjoying your college experience.

[The Boathouse]

Fuck college. I hate it.

Amen. Fuck this shit.

[Loner/Rebel]

Amen. Fuck this shit.

I'm with you on that one. I've got at least another 2 to 2 and a half years of this to go. Sometimes I think it would be easier just to freelance write and get a real job as well.

[Big_Guy]

grades do matter.

a lot of employers look at resumes and divide them into different groups. and they divide them by GPA.

obviously, there are other factors (experience, skills), but GPA does have a large effect.


think about it, if two people were vying for the same position, one has a 3.0 and one has a 3.4, who gets the job?

the 3.4

[Villanova1L]

grades do matter.

a lot of employers look at resumes and divide them into different groups. and they divide them by GPA.

obviously, there are other factors (experience, skills), but GPA does have a large effect.


think about it, if two people were vying for the same position, one has a 3.0 and one has a 3.4, who gets the job?

the 3.4


Sorry but the GPA thing isn't true, unless the company only interviews with people over a certain level.

Once you get into an interview you are in the running for the job and most other factors go out the door.

[Villanova1L]

Wow, that is such a relief to hear. I don't need to get into a top 3, just a top 50 so that my dad will pay for it. Do you mind if I ask what your LSAT's were, and what activities you did, ect?

I scored well enough on my LSAT to be in the 85th percentile. That number will change year to year. A lot of schools will base things on your LSAT first, and GPA second. Don't mess around in undergrad too much and be sure to score a 160 or better on your LSAT.

[staywhatyouare9]

grades do matter.

a lot of employers look at resumes and divide them into different groups. and they divide them by GPA.

obviously, there are other factors (experience, skills), but GPA does have a large effect.


think about it, if two people were vying for the same position, one has a 3.0 and one has a 3.4, who gets the job?

the 3.4


false, companies are not going to pick an employee because one has a .4 higher GPA. Experience and skills are alot more important than just a number like GPA. It might have a small factor but if 2 people going for a job had a 3.0 and 3.4 the higher GPA would not mean they will definitly get the job.

[notoaststereo]

i'm afraid of getting a job after college mainly because i'm a film/screenwriting major and i know its going to be hard to be successful in that industry.

[myantiyou]

i'm afraid of getting a job after college mainly because i'm a film/screenwriting major and i know its going to be hard to be successful in that industry.

yeah, I feel you. for the longest time, I've been interested in the arts, namely music. but I realize that it isn't a very safe field, and I should fortify my basic academic skills so I can be more flexible.

[notoaststereo]

yeah, I feel you. for the longest time, I've been interested in the arts, namely music. but I realize that it isn't a very safe field, and I should fortify my basic academic skills so I can be more flexible.
its something i love though. and hopefully ill be able to get a small job and work my way up eventually.

[lauren<3s music]

certainly no one looked at my GPA when i applied for jobs. i didn't even put it on my resume because I needed to save the space. Its more did you graduate from a respectable school with applicable majors and do you have any prior experience and the ability to learn to the job or are you a fucking idiot. now if you want to go to grad school, gpa is a different story

[Big_Guy]

false, companies are not going to pick an employee because one has a .4 higher GPA. Experience and skills are alot more important than just a number like GPA. It might have a small factor but if 2 people going for a job had a 3.0 and 3.4 the higher GPA would not mean they will definitly get the job.

I'm just going on what employers in my field have told me at job fairs.

[Angry Promoter]

Ehh, I'm going for Music Education, so I'm not worried that much about my GPA. I just want make sure that I come out a good teacher in the end. I guess that would factor in with the GPA, but A strong recommendation from a College rep with a low GPA can pose better than a good GPA.

But what do I know, I don't want to think about it until my auditions are done.

[FayeQC]

It matters if you are trying to maintain a scholarship or want to transfer
otherwise, meh, just graduate and you're good.

[sleeper1987]

It counts for graduate school and a little bit when applying for jobs. But in no way is it everything

[mick242]

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Maybe this helps, please for more info visit http://www.select-online-degree.com

[M.C COB]

Once you reach a certain GPA, I don't think it is the end all.

[saofan_315]

The more classes you take in areas that actually interest you = the higher your GPA will rise

So what if I can't do anything with a double major in Literature and History, I'll graduate with an ~3.7GPA, right?
... ok, so maybe not. But I'll be happy.

[SAY WHAT]

my advice? just fuck around and have fun! its pretty much just like high school and there are absolutely no consequences for screwing college up!

[thisemptybottle]

GPA really doesn't matter that much as long as you have above a 3.0. Anything above 3.5 is excellent and necessary if you really want to stand out in the job market these days though.

[BlaqOptic]

It depends. I know some people who came out with a 2.0 but that was due to not being motivated. They got the interview before their transcripts were seen and blew it away with their knowledge so their 2.0 didn't matter. On the same token I've known guys with 4.0 who didn't even know what a "Case Study" was and never got a job in the field. It depends where you apply and if they ask for transcripts first once you graduate.

Now if you're talking Grad School they're kind of a big deal. If you don't need grad school for your job then I guess I would say that you don't need to have great grades...

For the record I had a 3.1

[BlaqOptic]

my advice? just fuck around and have fun! its pretty much just like high school and there are absolutely no consequences for screwing college up!

Except for that whole being in depth if you drop out thing.