What's the advantage of graduating with a high or close to 4.0 GPA ? ~

[nyvrem]

Full time worker like me doing an online degree program (Computer Science).

Option #1 ~

Do 12~15 credits a term, (Fall/Spring), and barely get by with Cs and Bs because I'm sure I won't have alot of time to focus on everything.

I graduate sooner, faster, but lower GPA. (I think somewhere around 2.5 ~ 3.0)

Option #2 ~

Do 6~8 credits a term (Fall/Spring/Summer), and get A's and some Bs, because 2 classes each term is something I can deal with.

I graduate later, slower, but with a higher GPA. (I hope somewhere around 3.8 ~ 3.9)

Have a stable job now, but I'm hoping a CS degree can get me somewhere better - salary wise. (I've got some IT certs and experience)

I'm hoping to eventually finish a Masters in Computer Science too ~ I know those need a 3.0 GPA or higher. Or I could go back to Harvard Extension for a Software Engineering ALM.

Any thoughts ? Not sure if I should rush, or just keep it slow and steady

[Bibby]

• Bragging rights.
  
• It'll increase your odds of getting juicy scholarships.
  
• GPA is a factor in grad school admissions, so if you want to get into a competitive grad school, you'd be wise to keep your GPA up.
  
• Depending on the school, you might get special recognition if you graduate with an outstanding GPA.
  
• All of the girls/guys will fall madly in love with you if you keep your GPA high.

All of these are true except for the last one.

If you're going to spend the time and money into going to college, I'm a strong believer in applying yourself instead of merely trying to pass your classes while doing the bare minimum.

[CGaboury]

Something to note, if you're attempting the amount of classes you say you'd like to attempt, you're obviously going to alternate route of SL, Saylor, etc. these, when transferred in, will not provide you with a GPA. Something to think about.

[cookderosa]

Full time worker like me doing an online degree program (Computer Science).





Have a stable job now, but I'm hoping a CS degree can get me somewhere better - salary wise. (I've got some IT certs and experience)

I'm hoping to eventually finish a Masters in Computer Science too ~ I know those need a 3.0 GPA or higher. Or I could go back to Harvard Extension for a Software Engineering ALM.

Any thoughts ? Not sure if I should rush, or just keep it slow and steady

My thoughts are that you missed the entire sweet spot in your question. You list 2.5-3.0 as option A, and then 3.8-3.9 as option B.

IMO, you need >3.0 and in reality a 3.5 already demonstrates excellence, so do whatever you need to do to hit that and you're good to go. HES is open enrollment, killing yourself for 3/10th of a point is silly.

[davewill]

For the Georgia Tech program, so long as you keep that GPA above 3.0, you'll probably be good. However, since you have experience, I kind of doubt your grades should suffer so badly. I'd strive to keep it a good bit above the bare minimum, myself.