Engineering GPA?

Question

I will be graduating with a 2.8 GPA in mechanical engineering from the 10th best ranked program in the nation.

I'm slightly worried about my job prospects because of the GPA, and I'm not sure how to approach the issue.

I've done well on most of my tests, and conceptually I'd say I'm on track with any 3.5'er out there. I'd miss or slack off on homeworks and study really hard right before a test. Most engineers say all they did was study in college, but I had lots of fun and never found it too overwhelming. I never went to office hours or many lectures for that matter (I couldn't tell the difference *conceptually* between a lecture and the book). I have always found the GPA to be an inaccurate barometer for understanding of college material, but unfortunately I guess the employers need something.

When there is something useful being done (a project, a paying job) I do my best and do it well.

Is it better to tell them the truth or pretend I worked hard and came up short?

Answer 1

I had a friend of mine who graduated with 4 D's and a GPA barely above 2 - he's been with a design company for a decade.

Work ethic means more than GPA to employer. Demonstrate your work ethic via projects and other accomplishments. My friend and I worked like dogs on every engineering project we did together and received stellar grades.