(Side note: If you are planning to apply to law school, medical school, or any graduate programs -- this is not written for you. This is written for graduates planning to enter the job market.)
As a former member of the Student Government Organization, publishing this article may turn some heads. But this needs to be addressed. I've served on many student-led boards, attended enough leadership conferences and summits to make my own scrapbook, served on committees that were comprised of model students, interned in operating rooms, and worked alongside professionals well into their careers. And I'm here to tell you that no one cares about your GPA. I know that the professors and 4.0 students who read this are probably gathering rocks to stone me with right now, but hear me out. Your GPA is not nearly as important as you're making it out to be. Here's why.
Through talking with professionals in my field (business/biology), I've been told countless times: "Your employers won't hire you based on a number. They're looking for something different --something special." When you apply for jobs, the people hiring you are paying more attention to your network and your ability to network, your involvement and demonstration of leadership abilities, and your experience relative to the field you are entering.
You may ask, "But what about my resume?" In fact, you can (and should) remove your GPA from your resume after your first job. Your GPA becomes irrelevant after you have professional experience under your belt. In many cases, your GPA isn't even a resume requirement; it's essentially an enhancement. Don't put so much into your 4.0 that you fail to enhance your network and skill set.
I'm not telling you to completely disengage from your studies. You're paying for an education. Take advantage of that. But keep in mind that by paying your tuition, you are also paying for the opportunity to be a part of a community. Seize that. Use that to better yourself, and to build your resume. Join clubs. Volunteer. Socialize. Intern. Get out of your room. Broaden your horizons. Better yourself.
Let me reiterate this. Your grades are important, but not as important as you make them out to be. Be reasonable. Look at it this way: If you're planning on going into Sales or Marketing, it's not worth staying up all hours of the night to study for a History exam and beating yourself up when you make an 85. Ration your time. Branch out. Your employer will be more impressed with a highly involved student with a 3.4 than with the applicant who worked so hard to maintain his 4.0 that he missed out on real life and learning opportunities.
College is a time to better yourself, not perfect yourself. Begin acting like a professional, now. Clean up your social media. Dress appropriately. Meet with your mentors. Construct your resume. But don't beat yourself up for making a B. There are much bigger things in store for you, and college is just the beginning of it all.
