Importance of GPA

[jackzack87]

Agree.

To get back to the point of the original poster, yes, more than anything attitude matters. But we all know, as you point out buja, that it can be a case-by-case basis and the factors are plentiful. For every example where it mattered, you can find one where it didn't, and vice versa. My friend just graduated with a BA in general studies with 2.? after 7 years in school. (read: Didn't plan well, didn't really care and eventually make it through) She just landed a rather decent paying job where the only requirement was a degree in any discipline and her part-time experience.

I'm with you on the attitude and doing the best you can. Like you, people have life going on and sometimes a GPA isn't the most important thing on the list. I didn't say not important. I feel it's most important to have the right attitude, one that pushes us to be the best we can and to hold high standards.

Lol MA2 you seem like you're always ready for a good debate Will it dissapoint you if I say that I do agree with your point sometimes?

Yes, if you're approaching school with a half-as$ed attitude, you will fail. I couldn't do this if I weren't giving it 150%. I'm sacrificing time with my children, husband, sleep and sanity. I don't have the best GPA out there but it doesn't mean that I'm not giving it absolutely everything that I have to give to achieve my goals.

However, the question "does GPA matter?" can't always be answered with a yes. In many fields it really doesn't matter, so I wouldn't want to lie to someone about that.

SO, if you're asking "Should I have a bad attitude and give this a 50% effort?" The answer is NO.

If you're asking "Will the C that I got in a subject that I struggled with affect my job prospects?" The answer would be, it depends. I won't speak about areas that I don't know, but in my years in B2B sales in Fortune 500 companies, no one has ever cared.

So.. OF COURSE it's better to get a good GPA, but if you don't it's not the end of the world. You could easily make up for a weak resume by volunteering or internships if you can't boast a strong GPA and/or experience. I would hire someone that volunteers on the weekends a million times over the top GPA. (Yes I know I'm straying off topic a little, just wanted to point out that there are ways to make up for weak spots on the resume.) And yes if you are even remotely concerned, don't just stop at your undergrad.