My college GPA is a 3.7, now what?

Question

I studied my butt off for my first semester in college. I went 3 days in a row without sleep to get the grades but instead I get freakin A minuses. I'm really upset that my GPA is only a 3.7 when I only had a 3.3 in High School. This is upsetting. Does this mean all chances of a 4.0 just went out the window?

Btw... I'm auditioning next semester. I plan to be a music education major.

Answer 1

If you are a music major and the lower grades were outside your major, you can still point out that you have a 4.0 in your major.

However, your overall GPA is not ever going to be a 4.0 and you have to live with that. You may regard this as a lessening of pressure.

3.7 is actually quite good.

Answer 2

I'm not sure I understand this. Why would you think your GPA would go UP in college, instead of down? Most people do better in high school than they do in college, because the competition is much greater. A- is a good grade. It means almost excellent (and better than very good). Yes, if you had a 3.7 this semester, there is no way it can go up to a 4.0, since a 4.0 means you would have nothing but A's throughout your college career. By the way, at my university, which has close to 5,000 undergraduate students, there are years in which NOBODY graduates with a 4.0, and it is rarely more than 2 or 3 per year.

Answer 3

There is nothing wrong with a 3.7. It demonstrates the ability to meet deadlines, some talent for doing the work, and organizational skills.

In most colleges there is no way to raise a 3.7 to a 4.0. There are exceptions. Some colleges have their grades scaled higher than 4. So while your academic record would not be perfect, you could technically have a 4.0 out of say 5.0.

Some colleges allow courses to be retaken and the grades replaced. This is pretty rare, but I have seen it. In this case, you could retake the A- classes and bring your GPA up to a 4.0.

I suggest putting your energy into your audition, and think about who is going to write recommendations for you.

Answer 4

I graduated from high school with a 3.5, and had a 3.8 my first quarter at the University of Washington. By the time I graduated from college, my GPA was 3.4. The terms generally got more difficult. Remember, when you're at a university, a lot of people were filtered out before you got there. You're among other people that qualified for that school. The curriculum is designed for people like you. Thus, it's going to be more difficult.

To average a 4.0 when you graduate, yes, you need all perfect semesters. But God help the soul that can attain that! Don't overdo it! You're going to blow your brain out, and believe me, it's possible. Eventually your head feels like it just can't take anymore, and you feel extremely stupid and incapable until you take a breather and shake it off.

---"Now what?"? Now you be damn proud of your GPA, and know that a lot of your freshman peers were shaved off the student body during that first term! Do you know how many people get through high school, get into a college or university, and then can't take it? Don't sell yourself short! You're doing great.

Answer 5

Grade points and averages are great statistically. They are the indications of your desire and provide a measurement of your persistence of pursuit. Yours are to be envied by many and the disappointment you express should be minimal less you lose the true edge of what you are trying to achieve. Your high standards will be reflected more however, when the grades are accompanied with a well rounded awareness of self and self-confidence. There are many who have high GPA's but unfortunately are out of touch with what is...they have totally missed the point.
You might want to lessen the stress derived from lack of sleep when cramming for exams. It could cause a shutdown physically.
When you are reviewed, with others, for career positions in your future, It will not be your GPA that will propel you above the field. A well rounded personality and how you react with and among people are large contributing factors.
I would also like to suggest that you include relaxation and fun in your menu. They are essential for your over-all well being and actually provide strength to the vibrations of your emotions as you strive for success.

Answer 6

its going to get a lot more difficult, and there will be a lot more all nighters as you go on in your college education. i would shoot for a 4.0 every semester even though i am most likely to get between a 3.6 and a 3.8. if its less than that or in the lower range it means i got to work harder, if its within the range i dont stress about it. also just a tip, if you have test the next day dont study all night, ive found that to be counterproductive. i think is better to get at least 6 hours or sleep to give your brain a chance to "reset" and be ready for the test.

Answer 7

it's extremely difficult to get a 4.0 for an entire college education. A 3.7 certainly won't hurt your chances to be a music education major. i just finished my first semester and will probably come out with a 3.5, and i'm planning on majoring in psychology. i'm sure you have nothing to worry about. congratulations on such a good GPA!

Answer 8

That is an excellent GPA for college. You don't need to kill yourself over a GPA in college. Yes employers want to see good grades, but they also want to see you participate in clubs and things not directly related to your major such as community service and volunteer work.