At a time when the world seems so competitive, and everyone is fighting for the same internships, jobs, and seats and spots at the top schools and companies, you may find yourself thinking “Can’t I just learn for the sake of learning and forget about my GPA?” Well, yes, that’s one approach. But honestly, you really can do both. You can learn for the sake of learning. And if you’re really learning, that’ll (generally) show up in your GPA.
In fact, whenever students ask me what I think a good GPA is, I automatically say 3.00. Why? Because a 3.00 equates to a B, and a B (theoretically) represents a solid comprehension of content. If you earn a B in a class, you should (theoretically) be able to expound on subject matter in such a fashion that, if we’re having a conversation about the subject, I’ll take away something meaningful and useful from it.
Whenever students ask me whether their GPA matters, my answer is automatically yes. Why? Because their GPA represents an ability to grasp, retain, and communicate academic content, as well as an ability to manage academic work. While there may be idiosyncrasies associated with individual classes, the semester GPA represents an ability to master academic content and work within the constraints of a semester, and the overall GPA represents that ability within the overall time in college. To that end, your GPA matters because it represents (in one way at least) your ability to navigate the college environment.
Another reason that your GPA matters is because of the doors that it can open or close. The reality (as many Career Services offices can tell you) is that some employers use GPA cut-offs in reviewing applications. If they’re open about it, at least they’re open about it. That said, it makes me sad because they could potentially eliminate quality talent because someone is off by a few hundredths of a point. That also said, the question is whether you’d want to work for places who aren’t willing to consider your whole story.In the professional world, your GPA is usually the most critical for that first job out of college. Once you land some place (hopefully amazing and wonderful with a great manager and great colleagues and lots of professional development opportunities—OK, well, at least two out of three maybe?) and demonstrate your abilities through the work that you do, your GPA becomes less important relative to what your managers and colleagues have to say about you. It becomes less important relative to the networks and skills that you build. It becomes less important relative to all of the experiences that you acquire through various positions. It becomes less important relative to the professional identity that you develop and communicate to others.
In reality, very few people ever ask about your GPA once you start working. To be honest, it’s probably the least asked question about your academic background, with examination scores in possible competition. Beyond that, your minor is probably the next least asked question. (That’s why I always say that you should pursue these academic extras for yourself rather than for potential employers, because they usually could not care less.) The next next least asked question is your major. And while that’s potentially useful in helping you narrow down your professional direction, it still pales in comparison to what’s by far the most commonly asked question with regard to your academic background. And that’s where you went to college.
Brand recognition is really important, so being able to perform well by making a solid GPA at what’s known to be a strong liberal arts institution is very telling to anyone who’s checking out your GPA. While employers don’t care as much about your GPA after your first job, graduate schools do care very much, and that’s mainly because they want to know that you can manage even more challenging coursework at the graduate level.The best thing about graduate schools is that, unlike employers who may utilize GPAs but not necessarily transcripts, admissions officers review transcripts and consider your academic journey, especially if you show significant improvement over time. Furthermore, if your college record is weak, you have the opportunity to provide additional transcripts from academic coursework taken after college, especially if you develop academic skills and motivation later on in life. You also have the opportunity to comment on professional experiences and provide examination scores that can help you make the case for why you would simultaneously benefit from and contribute to your desired graduate program.
On a related note, the most competitive fellowships and scholarships, whether in graduate school or on their own (think Rhodes, Marshall, Fulbright), may not necessarily have GPA cut-offs but certainly have high GPA expectations. Even fellowships and scholarships that focus on leadership and service often take academic performance into consideration when making final decisions. If your GPA is on the low side, set realistic expectations and know that you may be out of the running. This holds true for GPA recommendations for professional positions as well. You can go ahead and try, but holding your breath may leave you gasping for air.
If you’re still new to college and have faltered academically, you still have time to figure out how to pick up your GPA. Don’t let yourself dwell in your disappointment. Talk to people. Strategize your options. If you’re on your way out and have faltered academically, consider how to make the strongest case for yourself to potential employers. Also consider whether it’d be beneficial to take some classes on your own if you aspire to pursue graduate school. If you’re somewhere in the middle (both in terms of class year and academic performance), and you’re still navigating your academic situation, think about whether you’re studying what you want to be studying, performing up to maximum capacity, and utilizing all the resources available to you.If you have a strong academic record up to this point, continue to be a star. And while you’re being a star, think about how you can help those around you shine a bit brighter. Be a TA, be a tutor, lead a study group. Sure, you can try to limit the knowledge and the competition, but think about whether that’s the best way to move forward in life. Don’t let your success limit the potential of others being successful. That’s the kind of cutthroat attitude that’s unbecoming of the kind of global citizens we hope to produce.
Your GPA is important to many of the things that you may hope to do in the future. The final question is whether it’s everything. My answer is that it’s not. In fact, it’s the starting point from which you tell the story of your time in college. Those three digits can’t convey all the time and energy, sweat and tears you put into your coursework. They can’t convey the peaks and valleys of your academic career. They can’t convey your academic strengths and challenges. So take the time to reflect on what those three digits really mean. Then find the opportunity to share that story.
Image Credit: Annmarie Morrison, Drew Meeker