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College GPA

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Guck
Posts: 528 - Karma: 221
I was wondering the significance of grades in college. Obviously you need to pass a class to receive credit, but is there a real difference when it comes to a 3.0 and a 3.5? More of what i'm looking for is how many of you older folk have ever been asked for a college transcript by an employer? I know it's important to learn the material, but is it really worth killing yourself to get a 3.5? Of course a high GPA will set you aside from other applicants, but how big is the difference from a 3.0 to a 3.5. I'm an Engineering major by the way, it would make sense for this type of thing to vary from major to major
Oct 17 2013 11:49PM
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Guck
Posts: 528 - Karma: 221
And yes, i'm up late studying for an exam that I will most likely bomb thinking about things like this to ease the pain
Oct 17 2013 11:51PM
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Finkle
Posts: 959 - Karma: 850
Click for larger image
Oct 17 2013 11:54PM
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Bogs
Posts: 4296 - Karma: 1,361
Unless you're trying to get into grad school I don't think it matters too much. It matters, obviously, but as long as employers can see you did alright in college they aren't going to put too much weight on it.

inb4 you get hate for being on ns instead of studying. Engineering is fucking hard.
Oct 17 2013 11:54PM
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ilikefood
Posts: 391 - Karma: 769
May as well give it your best since you're there. Just try your best and the rest will sort it's self out, that's my motto at least
Oct 17 2013 11:55PM
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2_fadez
Posts: 7780 - Karma: 4,183
It really really depends.
Some majors, your gpa doesn't mean jackshit, but others its really competitive when it comes to getting a good job in the industry. If a lot of money is on the line, companies want the highest gpa possible. They aren't willing to trust expensive projects with millions on the line with someone who doesn't do well in class.
If you want a high paying job out of school, aim for a 3.5 at least. Some areas like finance, you need at least a 3.8, so work hard. The quality of the first job you land often decides your entire career
Oct 18 2013 12:08AM
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Funnel
Posts: 7812 - Karma: 1,489
Absolutely. If you really want to get a good job out of school then it is essential to have that high GPA. This is because a lot of firms will narrow down who to interview for internships just by GPA. I know a chemical engineer who would make a great candidate, but fucked around his first year of college and that killed him applying for internships.
Oct 18 2013 12:10AM
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juicedrummer11
Posts: 1960 - Karma: 1,331
that was me a couple weeks ago buddy! to ease your pain i got a 25% on my aerodynamics midterm. hella good
Oct 18 2013 12:38AM
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deleted5
Posts: 14507 - Karma: 13,507
You want to get a good job, and want an edge over other people? get good grades.
Oct 18 2013 1:07AM
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,686
It is important. Keep in mind that different schools have different GPA inflation. IE it is harder to get a 3.5 at University of Washington or Georgia Tech than Stanford. I would do what is needed to ensure you graduate with a 3.0 or higher. It keeps more grad school options open.


All that aside, you should always be trying to do the best possible. Is the highest grade a 4.0? Strive for that. Don't worry about doing your best, only losers think about that. Do the best, out of everyone; always.
Oct 18 2013 1:07AM
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marsh.
Posts: 1173 - Karma: 1,403
A lot of times you need a certain gap to get into the engineering part of the school you go to. I have to get a certain gpa, and do a bunch of prerequisites to get into engineering school at UW Madison
Oct 18 2013 1:13AM
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shocker611
Posts: 2599 - Karma: 423
While grades do matter, a MUCH bigger issue in engineering is the kind of internships you can get during your education (granted these largely depend on grades). Most engineers get jobs based on their previous experience and often end up working for the company they interned with in college. I have a friend in MECH E that got hired onto a 70-80k job with chevron right out of college because of how well he did with his internship with them.
Oct 18 2013 9:19AM
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Barefootin_Fiend
Posts: 7618 - Karma: 4,727
wisdom right here, folks.
Oct 18 2013 9:27AM
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miroz
Posts: 10333 - Karma: 3,945
As said already by many, definitely important. Everyones been talking grad school but engineering is pretty competitive on all fronts (as you prob know already) and the best jobs will get scooped by te best candidates. More often than not these are the students w the highest grades. A 3.5 is good and a 3.0 is passable if you have other things to slap on your résumé and bump your cred. But cobra is right - shoot for being the best. Don't waste your time doing otherwise
Oct 18 2013 9:51AM
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miroz
Posts: 10333 - Karma: 3,945
I'm a senior ChemE by the way.
Oct 18 2013 9:56AM
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bfulmer
Posts: 3053 - Karma: 1,975
hahahaha
Oct 18 2013 11:09AM
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TechnoPotamus
Posts: 11626 - Karma: 3,522
Extremely important assuming you care about your future career and getting started on the best foot possible. I have 2 final interviews in the next two weeks, and both firms requested I show them my transcripts.

3.0 is average. 3.5 and above stands out. 3.5 and above has gotten me interviews (and an internship) and soon to be a full time job that I would have never gotten called in for otherwise.


Just like cobra said, you should aim to be the best, out of everybody. Aim for the top, everybody else is your competition and you gotta prove you're the best available candidate.


"Today i will do what others won't, so tomorrow I can do what others can't."


Oct 18 2013 11:59AM
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45.
Posts: 3164 - Karma: 170
Im going to go the opposite here - all these people saying 3.5 and above are being a little unrealistic, or go to some bullshit school. If you leave a reputable engineering school with a 3.0, you did well for yourself.

Average graduating GPA for an Aerospace Engineer from Iowa State University is 2.5 - With their program being ranked #6 in the nation. Your not coming out of there with a 3.5, it's not happening - if it does, you were not involved in extra curricular activities, took no leadership roles, and most likely have the social skills of an infant. All things that rival a good GPA - the key is balance, if your GPA is lower, you need to supplement with leadership roles, extra curricular activities, and strong people skills.

Now I would love to hear from all of you about how you got above a 3.5 - have great sociable skills, got the job you always dreamed of, etc.... Because in the end, your still bragging on an internet forum full of 14 year old ski bums.
Oct 18 2013 12:18PM
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,686
Says the guy bragging about his school on a forum full of 14 year old bums.

I don't think the rest of us were bragging. I graduated (BSAA) from UW Aeronautics & Astronautics. As mentioned earlier, different schools have different levels of GPA inflation. That is irrelevant; you still work your butt off to be the best damn one there is. You sure as hell don't quit at 0200 because its hard and you're tired. Who the fuck wants to be average? I don't have time for anyone who is ok with being average.
Oct 18 2013 12:45PM
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45.
Posts: 3164 - Karma: 170
Do you struggle with reading comprehension? 2.5 average < 3.0 suggested. Not a single person in this thread is saying go for average.
Oct 18 2013 12:57PM
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RubberSoul
Posts: 11249 - Karma: 14,642
definitely work your ass off and get the best possible grades you can. youre spending thousands and thousands to be there, and besides grad school, if you do it, which is pretty different from grade school and undergrad, it's the end of schooling as you know it so might as well go hard in the last stretch

i wasnt an engineering major cause i dont have low level aspergers and like being socially adept but ive thought to myself so many times since graduation "thank god i didn't listen to myself when i thought about being okay with a 3.0-3.5."

it'll be tougher to have a high gpa in that kind of major but that's no reason not to go as hard as you can. people who say you can't work your ass off and still have fun are the same type of people who talk about their workload when socializing....
Oct 18 2013 12:58PM
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Blake.P
Posts: 9894 - Karma: 3,585
fine with me...
Oct 18 2013 12:59PM
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LiquorLanch
Posts: 1909 - Karma: 1,046
Try to get the best grades you can, it looks good. Also, internships and co-ops will help you out immensely. Extracurriculars and Greek life can also go a long way when it comes to hiring as well
Oct 18 2013 1:15PM
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,686
I understood your point. As I mentioned, different schools and universities have different levels of GPA inflation. I was reiterating, that just because a school chooses to set a lower average, does not mean anyone should resign themselves to lower standards or personal performance. ISU will still reward exceptional performance with a 4.0. There is no reason a student should not work their ass off to get that. I'm sure as fuck not going to allow anyone to lower my standards for excellence.
Oct 18 2013 1:19PM
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TechnoPotamus
Posts: 11626 - Karma: 3,522
> respond to OP's question with real life experience and a legitimate answer
> get down voted for it
> read comments from people trying to discredit those of who have done well because they couldn't do it themselves



OP asked a legit question, got a few legit answers, and in classic NS fashion the thread gets taken over by immature losers.
Oct 18 2013 1:36PM
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406
Posts: 2302 - Karma: 92
I currently have a 2.8 going for my BSEE and Im fucked. Accepting this 6 yr challenge will not pay off for me.
Oct 18 2013 4:12PM
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Lucas
Posts: 4881 - Karma: 1,575
What major were you?
Inb4 philosophy
Oct 18 2013 9:13PM
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RubberSoul
Posts: 11249 - Karma: 14,642
judging by the query about what major i was, and the assumption that i was a phil major, it looks like ive managed to bait an engineering major in their only natural habitat, on the computer talking about school slash being a fucking loser. let's see how he reacts when i alert him that not only phil majors can get good grades, and then poke fun at his typical engineering social life



no, i was a double major, bio and comm, and minored in phil. how was your friday night? do anything exciting besides post about majors and GPAs on the internet?
Oct 19 2013 12:37PM
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Lucas
Posts: 4881 - Karma: 1,575
Wow 3 useless majors, congrats. No I'm not an engineering student, I just find it hilarious how much shit you have to talk about them to make yourself feel better about your shitty choices.
Oct 19 2013 12:45PM
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RubberSoul
Posts: 11249 - Karma: 14,642
yeah man i feel really useless working for a research group at one of the top medical school. i'll be sure to mention to them that some dick holster on the internet said my schooling was worthless, im sure they'd like to know

i just hate on engineers cause theyre so consistently obnoxious and make stupid ass dismissive comments like yours about other majors sorry brehhh



Oct 19 2013 8:31PM
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TechnoPotamus
Posts: 11626 - Karma: 3,522
what type of student are you? unless i missed it somewhere
Oct 19 2013 8:46PM
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bigbromskier
Posts: 1175 - Karma: 330
obviously getting a higher GPA is important. graduating with honors is badass and employers certainly take that into consideration seeing that on your resume
Oct 19 2013 9:53PM
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springz
Posts: 327 - Karma: 397
Almost every employee I applied to would not even interview you if you didn't have a 3.5 GPA.

I'm an accounting major interviewing with big 4 and other audit firms, if that helps any
Oct 19 2013 10:03PM
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TechnoPotamus
Posts: 11626 - Karma: 3,522
:) same here, and same here. Good luck with your interviews
Oct 19 2013 10:18PM
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45.
Posts: 3164 - Karma: 170
Accounting GPA - not quite comparable to an Engineering GPA. Unless they started throwing fluid dynamics and the thermo's into the mix.
Oct 19 2013 10:54PM
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KravtZ
Posts: 6637 - Karma: 2,629
GPA is EXTREMELY important especially for your first job out of school. There is a monster difference between a 3.0 and 3.5. Employers use your GPA as a tool to scan out successful hard workers from lazy people who just go to pass class. I would kee your GPA up as high as possible whatever that takes. You will thank me when you graduate. 3.5 is very good. 3.0 isnt really that great.
Oct 19 2013 11:23PM
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panojibber.
Posts: 1041 - Karma: 683
Engineering is soon going to be an oversaturated field anyways and employers will have higher and higher standards for potential hires.

Oh, and nobody cares about how hard your engineering classes are. Don't whine about them. You signed up for it.
Oct 19 2013 11:32PM
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45.
Posts: 3164 - Karma: 170
Nobody here is whining, just stating well known facts. You wouldn't compare event management to a finance degree would you?

What's the forecast for over saturation? 5-10 years? 10-20? Or are you making this fact up entirely? I'd be interested in hearing more about this.
Oct 19 2013 11:38PM
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.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
Newsflash!

Studies show 82% of engineering students think they are smarter than everyone else, despite failing half of their classes!

More at 11.


PS - you reek of stupidity and arrogance. Not a good combo, bud.
Oct 19 2013 11:49PM
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45.
Posts: 3164 - Karma: 170
I was wondering when you'd jump in - I was expecting more of the typical "you may be retarded, kill yourself" response we've come to expect from you. Glad to see your switching the routine up, keeps things interesting around here.

PS - Why you sniffing me bro?
Oct 19 2013 11:56PM
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.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
I certainly hope your math skills are better than your English skills; however, I fear this may be the reason you can't cut it as an engineering student.
Oct 19 2013 11:57PM
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45.
Posts: 3164 - Karma: 170
Yes - typical internet comeback, grammar and personal attacks. I was really hoping for another more original comeback. Give it another shot lil buddy! I know you got something better than that for me.
Oct 20 2013 12:00AM
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.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
Don't flatter yourself. You're not worth the effort. You have clearly already accepted mediocrity, so whatever I have to say won't mean too much. Just know that I won't wave back to you when you're standing in the unemployment line 3 years from now.
Oct 20 2013 12:46AM
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whoa-dere
Posts: 10596 - Karma: 7,103
what's the minimum? i don't even know
Oct 20 2013 12:57AM
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.Duncan.
Posts: 1375 - Karma: 459
Jesus AR6, usually your attacks and comebacks are hilarious and on point but that little conversation was miserable, pick up dude.
Oct 20 2013 1:10AM
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Arabian
Posts: 680 - Karma: 1,022
Get over yourself.
Oct 20 2013 1:10AM
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BoogieWoman
Posts: 408 - Karma: 664
Accountants salary - not quite comparable to an engineers salary. Unless engineering firms start throwing $0000's bonuses into the mix.

To the OP - just get the best grades you possibly can. You will regret if in the future if you don't!
Oct 20 2013 2:18AM
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skitheeast77
Posts: 224 - Karma: 6,577
Am I reading this correctly? Because accountants make less than almost all types of engineers.
Oct 20 2013 2:42AM
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BoogieWoman
Posts: 408 - Karma: 664
The fuck?? There must be a huge disparity between the US and the UK then. Because when I worked for Deloitte in the UK, the most junior accountants starting salary was around $60,000 and my boss earned in excess of $500,000 a year plus bonuses (which would sometimes run into the $m's). My two friends who were engineers, one mechanical and one civil, both started out earning around $40,000 and there is no way either of them will ever have have a higher earning potential than $140,000. I know a few junior partners at big 4 accounting firms...and they're better paid than 99% of the top earning engineers in the UK (inc tech engineers).
Oct 20 2013 2:59AM
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Wompuscat
Posts: 818 - Karma: 380
You are an arrogant, cocky piece of shit and I hate you. Sure, engineering is hard, but stop thinking you are so smart you can talk down to everybody else. I currently have 4 friends in the engineering program at ISU and they all maintain above a 3.0 without much problem. Honestly, even in the hardest fields of study maintaining above a 3.0 isn't insanely difficult. Honestly, the reason it's so difficult and seemingly impossible to you is probably because you aren't all that intelligent. And trust me, just because you're in engineering, does NOT mean you're super intelligent. Not by a long shot.

However, to the OP, it really depends. I've always stressed myself HARDCORE about maintaining a high GPA, but thats because I'm applying to graduate school. This is what I have gathered from asking a lot of different people though. Your GPA matters, but it is absolutely not the end all be all. You can offset a lower GPA with a large amount of experience in the given field, along with high entry test scores(applies more to grad school) and a great interview. All of it is taken into account when somebody is making their final decision on whether to hire or accept you.


Oct 20 2013 5:14AM
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TechnoPotamus
Posts: 11626 - Karma: 3,522
this isn't a dick measuring contest, my god you are so pretentious. If I wanted to do engineering, I'm I could have don sure it and been good at it. But it doesn't interest me. And if I had done it, I wouldn't bitch about how hard it is all day long on an internet forum and try to discredit other people for their accomplishments.


This thread isn't even about engineering vs. the world anyway, it's about whether or not GPA is important. Which it is.
Oct 20 2013 9:31AM
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