I used to pride myself on my ability to BS long papers and fill pages with practically nothing. This has been the result of many years of page requirements and professors that didn't mind BSing. Unfortunately my ability has been called out by one of my professors and it is being reflected in my grades. I have yet to receive an A on a single assignment.
What has happened and what should I do? I have a dilemma. The professor is really smart and I feel like he pushes me and I learn a lot. People have told me that this professor prepares people for Grad-School because he expects a lot out of you. There is no regurgitation of other people's ideas in his class, you are expected to develop your own idea. So he prepares me for grad school. Unfortunately in order to get into grad school I need to earn the grades that will make me competitive. So either I take more of his classes and lower my GPA but learn or I take classes from other professors that grade easier.
I am not saying that all my other professors are easy A's. They are also difficult but this one professor is on another level. I am usually really good at reading the professor and determining what he wants for me to earn an A.
Do I focus on the superficial grades that will help me get into Grad school or do I focus on getting the best education possible and sacrifice my perfect GPA? But then how can I get into grad school without that GPA.
What do you guys think? Does this post even make sense?
In my opinion: Aren't you going to school to become a professor? If that's then it's simple. Go for the best education possible. It is so important to get the best education that you can! I think if you focus on your education then the GPA will fall into place.
ReplyDeleteI would have to say that, in the end, the actual EDUCATION received trumps the grades. What you learn will stay with you and will continue to be relevant until the end of your life, whereas grades are just a means to an end.
ReplyDeleteA dillema it is, my friend. However...I say GO FOR THE GRADES! Though that is not the "politcally correct" answer, when you apply for grad schools you are sending a transcript that says:
ReplyDeleteHISTORY 101: A
ENGLISH: A-
etc.
You aren't sending one that says:
HISTORY 101: I learned a lot!
ENGLISH: What an enlightening experience!
OK, so I am kidding (a little bit). I think it is good to do a little bit of both...take the tough classes that will help you learn (as this truly will help you later in school), BUT, mix those ones in with classes that are "easy As". I was lucky at USU as I had a number of classes that were fairly easy as far as getting good grades, but where I had to put in real time studying and learning.
Really, though, a good GPA is a lot more important than some people would have you believe...especially if you want to go on to grad school. I had a decent LSAT score, but not one that helped me stand out (I was in the 75th percentile). I was able to get into a good law school, however, largely because I had a really good undergrad GPA. Having said that, if you are going to be ending up with a B or whatever in this guy's class, you shouldn't worry about it. Cs and Ds, however, really do pull that GPA down in a hurry.
Alec,
ReplyDeleteI believe we think very similarly. When someone looks over an application they look at the GPA. Luckily for me there are a lot of classes that are challenging yet easier As.
I will get a B in this hard class but for someone that has always had a pretty easy time earning As it is quite annoying.
I find it an unfortunate reality that GPAs do matter as much as they do but how else are grad schools supposed to measure my level of understanding?
Because my school is so small and there are a limited amount of classes that are offered I will end up taking a few classes from this difficult professor. If I have a choice though I will probably succumb to the GPA motivation.
But again I would like to reiterate that my other professors are not dumb and are still challenging. I will still get a great education, without sacrificing my GPA.
Thank you all for your input.
Sounds like you have made up your mind and yes people are right, the real education is important, but if you do not get into grad. school you will never actually become a professor. History is great, but unless you get the advanced degree it does not matter because it will almost be impossible to find a job in your field. Then all that information you have truly accumulated will only be good for watching Jeopardy before dinner. Work out the GPA, get into grad school, and be the best in your field you can. I would recommend trying to audit some of the more challenging classes though, they really can broaden your horizons. Good luck buddy.
ReplyDeleteBlauer
That is good advice Blauer, thank you. I will consider auditing courses. I think my main goal is get into grad school.
ReplyDeleteWhat is a good goal GPA for grad school?
What was your GPA Blauer? Alec? Black? If you don't mind me asking.
It depends on the field of study, which school, and how well it is ranked nationally, on what your GPA needs to be. For Vet school or Med school obviously you need about a 3.7 or better; biological sciences like I am in the general guideline is a 3.0 and it must be maintained throughout your graduate studies, but realistically a 3.5 was more ideal for getting in. I had a 3.65 which is good, not amazing, but respectable and for my field my school is 2nd in the nation. A really high GPA is important but I also recommend you make lots of contacts, you will find more and more it is not always what you know, but rather who you know. If you have good connections and a professor that really wants you, you can get around a lower GPA or a lower GRE score (I have even heard of getting around letters of recommendation). In short, don't burn any bridges, but I don't think you have to worry about that, you are a pretty respectful guy. I am not familiar with History, but I would recommend you work not to drop below a 3.5.
ReplyDeleteFinally I don't remember how far Grad school is in the future for you but always ask about funding and expectations for working hours from your professor. Secondly ask about funding for subsequent years as well. This is where I made the mistake, I had a contract for great funding, but I did not realize it was just for the first year. After that it depended on my Prof. Luckily my Prof is a very generous person and is maintaining my original contact. If you have more questions I would be more than happy to talk to you more about it. Sorry this is long winded, but I hope that it helps.
-Blauer
Jason! Its Brittney Fox... well nelson now. I was looking at a friends blog and she had you as a friend. Your wife is beautiful. For some reason she looks so familiar to me. You guys look so great and happy together. Are you in Hawaii right now!? Completely unfair! Working as a manny sounds like fun... Im about to have my second in like 5 weeks.... its crazy. Hope all is well... take care of the beautiful Amber!
ReplyDelete