I don't feel like my grades on my college transcripts reflect my true potential?

Question

I don't feel like the grades on my transcripts reflect my true potential. For example, some of my science courses are very difficult and due to my professors getting behind, they don't give as many opportunites for grades, (like only 2 tests and a final) plus, for instance, my current genetics professor gives essay tests which he grades subjectively. Also, I work nearly full time while attending school, and I dont live with my parents becuase they are deceased. I think I would have better grades if I had the opportunity to live at home with mommy and daddy and not work too, but that's not my fate. I hate how my grades arent as good as I know they could be because LIFE has to get in the way. Unfortunately though, many admissions faculty and employers go by your GPA and grades. How can you make the best impression and show that you have more potential than your grades reflect?

Answer 1

Then you're lucky.

A lot people have grades that overstate their potential.

If you're certain that you could be doing better by doing something else, drop out of college and go for it. Do it now, while you're young, and while failure won't cost you more time and energy than you can afford.

Answer 2

I think 2.8 is still pretty good. If it helps, I just barely got a 3.0 despite being fairly smart and a very hard worker, simply because I didn't adjust well to college at first and had a couple of bad semesters. I have friends that partied far more than me and got horrible grades, but still did okay after college. Most employers don't look at GPA at all, and grad schools will often be lenient on GPA if you're close to the requirement and have an otherwise good application.

Answer 3

Grades do not reflect true potential. They are only a history of how you performed in class. In terms of getting a job, Jack Welch says he will look at your grades when you are fresh out of college with no experience, but grades are only good indicators for your first two years.

I had a 3.39 GPA. I got around that by posting an Accounting Course GPA of 3.7 over 15 Accounting classes. I also talked about projects I worked on while in school and what my contributions were on those projects and how I contributed to leading the team.

In that way, I always get interviews because I write a dynamic cover letter and prepare myself for an excellent interview. I am often called back for the second round of interviews. Leadership potential and class participation trump grades anytime.

Be sure you pay attention and take a Career Development class in your senior year.

Answer 4

I know what you mean. Next time when you are up for signing up for classes ask diffrent students about the teachers, which one they like, don't like, and why. If work is getting in the way look into some online classes your college might offer (I have taken some and it's great but I don't suggest math online) or you can go 3/4 time instead of full time. Also when ever you can stick it in that you were able to balance full time work and school. You'll be surprised how many actually take this into account.

P.S. Have you tried getting a room mate? Helps with the bills.

Answer 5

your SAT grades will reflect some thing but if they are also not the best for you then you can try 2 years at as community college and then transfer after you get your GPA up
A good recommendation from a guidance councilor (explaining) will help you.
get a letter from your boss and your favorite teacher also
write a good essay and take a college admisstions course if your school offeres it
my school has a class that is dedicated to getting all the college stuff together.
see where you get into and go from there

Answer 6

Don't blame your situation on your lack of success.

I was Editor in Chief for my college paper, went to classes, commuted 70+ miles a day roundtrip, worked, and had to help several of my friends and STILL pulled a 2.76 G.P.A. It's not an impressive 3.5 or higher but so what?

To do as much as I did and then some and still be a success is hard work. Do I occasionally wish it was higher? Sure. But it doesn't consume my life and I've been able to be a success in whatever I've gone after.

In all truthfulness, most employers don't give a crap about your G.P.A. in college. They want to know your skills, experience, and what you can do for them.

Grades aren't everything. If you're letting your low G.P.A. consume you, you'll never reach your maximum potential. If you work hard and aim to be successful in whatever you do, you will be successful regardless of what your transcript says.

Answer 7

Realize that everyone has things which interfere, whether it is the need to spend a lot of time working, bad teachers, family obligations, or whatever. The best way to make an impression despite the GPA is when you have an opportunity (such as when you are trying to get into school) to make a personal statement. Just make sure that it doesn't come across as a litany of excuses.

Answer 8

Your GPA is only One of the things we look at when we are looking to hire. We do look to see if the person worked while going to school. What other activities did the person have (Clubs, industry or trade organizations, service groups)?

A person with a 3.5 who worked and was also involved in a local charaty is as important as someone with a 4.0 for example.

Good grades are important, but they are not the end all.
Sell your other skills or good points.

dfc

Answer 9

Once you get in the real world, most companies will only care that you have a degree, if you have a really great GPA, that is a feather in your cap, but having a lower GPA won't matter unless you are going to grad school or something in academia after college.

Also, your interviewing skills are more important than anything on paper, a resume just gets your butt in the door, the rest is on you.

Answer 10

The fact that you finished college shows your potential. Grades are not the most important thing in life. I have been to a few interviews and no employer ever asked what I got in Trig or Chem. Keep doing what you are doing and good things will happen.

Answer 11

That's why they include an essay to get to know you better.

At the same time, however, everyones life is reflected in their grades ... but the best way to show that you have more potential than your grades reflect is to write about it in your essay. Also, stepping it up and studying most and such to prepare yourself for tests.

I know it's hard. I have to balance a life and college work as well ... but lots of us do it, and you can too!!