Grades for College

[MBHockey]

I have been trying to hold a 4.0 through college...missed it my first 2 semesters due to hard math classes but got Bs in both of them. Last 2 semesters I have gotten 4.0s. Literally just got my grades this semester and I got a 3.93...because of a 1 credit tennis/table tennis class. I get As in Engineering Economics(With one of the worst teachers at the school), Quality Assurance(With one of the worst teachers at the school), Fluid Power, and Computed Integrated Manufacturing...but a 1 credit fitness class destroys it.

Sorry for my rant, but I am pissed to say the least. A class that has nothing to do with my major or how I do in my field is affecting my GPA. She actually tried to tell us that knowing how to play tennis would help us get a job...I will bet that no one plays tennis in my field, if anyone does its very few.

Lesson Learned: Don't make self-aggrandizing threads under the guise of a genuine concern.

You care about a B in a ping pong class, but don't care about the name of the college you're attending.

Do you always miss the forest for the trees?

This is classic example of why tertiary education in the US is in the *******.

Good point, but you should probably have stopped yourself there.

Actually, there's only one that's quite good (Berkeley). There others are known for sports rather than academics/research (USC/UCSF/UCSD/UCLA). There's are also a few good research institutes in CA (Scripps/CalTech).

But on the whole, most of the UC schools are pretty crappy.

You obviously have no idea the kind of medical research that comes from these institutions. Some US colleges have certainly become a destination for even the most inept "students". But comparing these schools to the ones you mentioned is laughable and only makes you look foolish and, ironically, uneducated.

 

[*LTD*]

I have been trying to hold a 4.0 through college...missed it my first 2 semesters due to hard math classes but got Bs in both of them. Last 2 semesters I have gotten 4.0s. Literally just got my grades this semester and I got a 3.93...because of a 1 credit tennis/table tennis class. I get As in Engineering Economics(With one of the worst teachers at the school), Quality Assurance(With one of the worst teachers at the school), Fluid Power, and Computed Integrated Manufacturing...but a 1 credit fitness class destroys it.

Sorry for my rant, but I am pissed to say the least. A class that has nothing to do with my major or how I do in my field is affecting my GPA. She actually tried to tell us that knowing how to play tennis would help us get a job...I will bet that no one plays tennis in my field, if anyone does its very few.

Let's look at your available degrees.

Your degree in this case (at 3.93) would be in the higher-end of the grade spectrum, either awarded with distinction or with high distinction, depending on the customs of the country in which it was granted, or the institution which granted it. The practical difference between a 3.93 and 4.0 is little to none.

Either designation is more or less the same and equally impressive. The only instance in which this "big finish" would matter is for grad school or possibly professional schools such as Law and Medicine, etc. Even then, your achievement would be at the higher end of the spectrum. And even then perhaps the only cases in which it would truly make a difference is for the top programs in ivy-league schools, although it would not be the only factor under consideration.

 

[AlexH]

Keep em high, enjoy college, but don't stress over GPA. It will help get you into a grad program, but in the real world, few care. I graduated with honors, and you know, no one seems to give a rip...

 

[mobilehaathi]

Actually, there's only one that's quite good (Berkeley). There others are known for sports rather than academics/research (USC/UCSF/UCSD/UCLA). There's are also a few good research institutes in CA (Scripps/CalTech).

But on the whole, most of the UC schools are pretty crappy.

USC (which is private BTW), UCSF, UCSD, and UCLA all have great academics and research. I guess if all one cares about is sports, then that's all one would know about them. Since I don't and I happen to be a researcher myself, I have to say that you're quite wrong about those schools. Those UC schools are some of the best public universities in the country.

 

[Queen of Spades]

I disagree with most people here on the "grades don't matter after college" argument. They don't, really, if you're going directly to work. As long as you pull a 3-something, you're fine. Then again, getting a job straight out of college is no easy task these days, so you might as well distinguish yourself any way you can.

However, if you plan to go to law school, graduate school, or apply for certain post-graduate programs (fellowships, etc.), they absolutely matter. Most obviously, post-grad study is competitive simply to gain acceptance, but more importantly, better grades equal more money and less loans.

I really can't stress that enough. Why pay more money than you have to? It's really a no brainer. I'm not saying you should have no social life in college (the best four years of your life, especially socially), but make your study time count. It really does matter, and I can say that from personal experience.

That said, OP, a 3.9 is nothing to stress over, that's plenty high enough. I forget what school you said you go to, but as long as it's not Cheeseburger University, you should be fine.

 

[Tomorrow]

Law of diminishing returns takes place here.

I give your graph a D.

To the OP - I graduated with an engineering degree. The only job I've ever had where I was asked for a transcript was when I took a job teaching CAD, and only then because the state requires a transcript for every teacher. No other employer has ever even asked what my college GPA was, or even to prove that I graduated, for that matter. You're worrying about it too much.

 

[Queen of Spades]

I explained my reason why, in favor of assualt of same sex partners...yes.

I'm not in favor of homosexuals.

No...no, homosexuals are not part of nature.

No trolling, I have an extreme hate for homosexuals...its simple.

Somehow I missed this. OP, I think you should be more concerned with being less of a judgmental ass and a better human being than worrying about being 0.1 under a 4.0.

Oh yeah, and I'm a lesbian, graduated from an Ivy League school, and got a better GPA than you. I'm also awesome at tennis and have an extreme hate for morons. So suck it.

 

[yg17]

Somehow I missed this. OP, I think you should be more concerned with being less of a judgmental ass and a better human being than worrying about being 0.1 under a 4.0.

Oh yeah, and I'm a lesbian that got a 4.0 from an Ivy League school. And I'm awesome at tennis. So suck it.

I knew that username sounded familiar

Pennsylvania College of Technology is practically owned by PennState now by the way.

Thought I would add that since its so important where I go.

In light of those previous posts, this tidbit is even more interesting. He goes to a college that run by people that never really had a problem with gay sex. Gay sex with children no less.....

For someone who hates homosexuals so much, you think he'd be more comfortable at the ironically named BJU

 

[acidfast7]

You obviously have no idea the kind of medical research that comes from these institutions. Some US colleges have certainly become a destination for even the most inept "students". But comparing these schools to the ones you mentioned is laughable and only makes you look foolish and, ironically, uneducated.

Actually, I do have an idea of EXACTLY what quality of research comes out of those universities because I probably read more primary research than anyone else on this forum. FWIW, most of the UC system is really sub-standard when it comes to quality/quantity of research output. Scripps/Stanford/Berkeley/CalTech really stand out. But most UC schools could slide into the ocean and most researchers wouldn't bat an eye.

----------

USC (which is private BTW), UCSF, UCSD, and UCLA all have great academics and research.

No, they don't.

Since I don't and I happen to be a researcher myself, I have to say that you're quite wrong about those schools. Those UC schools are some of the best public universities in the country.

By any metric, most UC schools aren't especially productive (NIH $, total research funding, world ranking, etc...) Scripps/Stanford/CalTech/Berkeley yes, most UC schools, no. Merced ... lol.

----------

I forget what school you said you go to

That's the missing-the-forest-for-the-trees component of the thread.

 

[dukebound85]

Actually, I do have an idea of EXACTLY what quality of research comes out of those universities because I probably read more primary research than anyone else on this forum. FWIW, most of the UC system is really sub-standard when it comes to quality/quantity of research output. Scripps/Stanford/Berkeley/CalTech really stand out. But most UC schools could slide into the ocean and most researchers wouldn't bat an eye.

----------



No, they don't.




By any metric, most UC schools aren't especially productive (NIH $, total research funding, world ranking, etc...) Scripps/Stanford/CalTech/Berkeley yes, most UC schools, no. Merced ... lol.

----------



That's the missing-the-forest-for-the-trees component of the thread.

This is gold

 

[acidfast7]

This is gold

They wouldn't. In fact, if most slid into the ocean, it would be the best for the rest of the UC schools that are productive. Compare the metrics and let me know. On the whole, the UC system is archaic and bloated.

 

[swiftaw]

Here's a study done on ranking institutional research:

http://mup.asu.edu/research2010.pdf

 

[mobilehaathi]

I probably read more primary research than anyone else on this forum.

Probably not more than me, but we don't need to get into a d*ck waving contest.

Perhaps it is the difference in fields that we're in, but the research in my field is top notch from USC, UCSF, UCSD, UCLA, and UC Berkeley. Or we can disagree, I don't care.

And I agree that Merced is pretty much crap.

 

[acidfast7]

Here's a study done on ranking institutional research:

http://mup.asu.edu/research2010.pdf

lol

how about a global study.

 

[dukebound85]

Probably not more than me, but we don't need to get into a d*ck waving contest.

Perhaps it is the difference in fields that we're in, but the research in my field is top notch from USC, UCSF, UCSD, UCLA, and UC Berkeley. Or we can disagree, I don't care.

And I agree that Merced is pretty much crap.

Heck I read a ton too and I know there are many many many grad students,post docs, and doctoral people on these forums who probably read and publish a ton of research.

Just amusing to actually see someone say that considering this crowd

 

[acidfast7]

Probably not more than me, but we don't need to get into a d*ck waving contest.

Perhaps it is the difference in fields that we're in, but the research in my field is top notch from USC, UCSF, UCSD, UCLA, and UC Berkeley. Or we can disagree, I don't care.

And I agree that Merced is pretty much crap.

Perhaps, I spend more time writing than reading, unfortunately.

 

[Queen of Spades]

Actually, there's only one that's quite good (Berkeley).

Sorry, but you're wrong. Michigan is a fantastic school, extremely competitive, and last time I checked is a state school. The University of Virginia is another perfect example. The topic at hand is undergrad, but in addition to their excellent undergraduate programs, most people wouldn't be able to sniff an acceptance to either of their law schools.

That's the missing-the-forest-for-the-trees component of the thread.

Your elitism aside, what exactly does this argument have to do with the OPs questions? He's a semester away from graduation, are you saying he shouldn't be concerned about his GPA because you aren't impressed with his school's prestige? That's even more of a reason to worry about grades, in my opinion. If you don't have name factor, you'd better have an impressive academic record.

 

[acidfast7]

Heck I read a ton too and I know there are many many many grad students,post docs, and doctoral people on these forums who probably read and publish a ton of research.

Just amusing to actually see someone say that considering this crowd

Like me ... lol. I trying to jam on last paper through before the end of 2011.

 

[dukebound85]

Like me ... lol. I trying to jam on last paper through before the end of 2011.

missing the point

 

[acidfast7]

missing the point

not really, i'm well beyond the postdoc phase.

 

[swiftaw]

lol

how about a global study.

Okay:

http://www.arwu.org/ARWU2010.jsp

http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2011-2012/top-400.html

http://www.timeshighereducation.co....top-400.html#score_RI|sort_rank|reverse_false

 

[Moyank24]

Actually, I do have an idea of EXACTLY what quality of research comes out of those universities because I probably read more primary research than anyone else on this forum. FWIW, most of the UC system is really sub-standard when it comes to quality/quantity of research output. Scripps/Stanford/Berkeley/CalTech really stand out. But most UC schools could slide into the ocean and most researchers wouldn't bat an eye.

----------



No, they don't.




By any metric, most UC schools aren't especially productive (NIH $, total research funding, world ranking, etc...) Scripps/Stanford/CalTech/Berkeley yes, most UC schools, no. Merced ... lol.

----------



That's the missing-the-forest-for-the-trees component of the thread.

I love when someone tries to be insulting, but, instead, ends up making themselves look like an a**.

Nice try. Maybe you should go back to whatever University you attended and ask for a refund, because your research skills are extremely poor....there are plenty of state universities here in the US that are Top 25 or even Top 50 academic institutions.

Next time, you should make sure that your ridiculous thoughts are true before posting. Even a simple Google search proved you completely wrong.

 

[acidfast7]

I love when someone tries to be insulting, but, instead, ends up making themselves look like an a**.

Nice try. Maybe you should go back to whatever University you attended and ask for a refund, because your research skills are extremely poor....there are plenty of state universities here in the US that are Top 25 or even Top 50 academic institutions.

Next time, you should make sure that your ridiculous thoughts are true before posting. Even a simple Google search proved you completely wrong.

i'm referring to the UC schools. but, i must defer to you, because you obviously know more than I about tertiary education.

lol.

i don't think you even know what top 50 means. hint? it's not in those lists above.

start with RU/VH and work from there.

 

[mobilehaathi]

i'm referring to the UC schools. but, i must defer to you, because you obviously know more than I about tertiary education.

lol.

i don't think you even know what top 50 means. hint? it's not in those lists above.

start with RU/VH and work from there.

Using your "metric" these schools fall under RU/VH:

University of California-Berkeley
University of California-Davis
University of California-Irvine
University of California-Los Angeles
University of California-Riverside
University of California-San Diego
University of California-Santa Barbara
University of California-Santa Cruz

 

[Macky-Mac]

Actually, I do have an idea of EXACTLY what quality of research comes out of those universities because I probably read more primary research than anyone else on this forum. FWIW, most of the UC system is really sub-standard when it comes to quality/quantity of research output. Scripps/Stanford/Berkeley/CalTech really stand out. But most UC schools could slide into the ocean and most researchers wouldn't bat an eye......

i'm referring to the UC schools......

the problem with your claim to be so knowledgeable about UC schools is that you keep referring to schools that AREN'T UC schools in your examples.....that reinforces the idea that you really don't know very much about the UC system at all