gty101

So I go to columbia and I realize that getting that 3.9 that I did in high school is significantly harder.

However, does College GPA have as much of an impact on Employment as High School GPA does for college admissions?
For example, to be even considered for an ivy league, some would say that it's best to not have a GPA under 3.5. Even then, most people who get in would have had a GPA of 3.8 or higher in high school.

I'm not saying that I'm going to get straight C's throughout my time here at Columbia. In fact, I would say it's just been one or two classes a year that are extremely difficult and thus I end up getting a B+ or something.

So, If I had a GPA of let's say like 3.5 or 3.6 by the time I graduate, would that hinder me from incredible job opportunities? Even more specifically, would 3.5 be like the "cap" and I would still need a GPA of 3.7 or higher to get "better" jobs?

I'm asking this when you already factor in internship experiences. Let's say I already have a few internship experiences and I am active on campus in certain clubs.
Lastly, I am planning on majoring in East Asian Languages and Cultures. I am fluent in three languages, two of which are East Asian and I am planning on learning one more East Asian Language here at Columbia. I have yet to decide on a minor, or concentration under the EALAC umbrella, but am thinking about Political Science/Economics or Sociology.

If someone who either has graduated College or will graduate soon could answer my question, it would be really appreciated! Thanks!

Saob12

Let's be specific here.

For medical school and law school admissions, GPA (and entrance exam scores) matters significantly. Graduate school to a lesser extent, as those rely more on your performance in your major, as well as things like a thesis or research experience.

For finance and consulting jobs that are popular among Columbians across all majors, the more competitive positions will go to those above a 3.5, with wide variation depending on the perceived difficulty of major. I don't know how a EALAC major is viewed, but for most econ or poli sci majors a 3.45-3.6 is a good benchmark. Less competitive jobs across all industries have 3.0 cutoffs, so there are plenty of options. After all, the average CC GPA is about 3.45 (SEAS is estimated to be around 3.05 so the employment standards are even lower there), and many in that bottom half still find employment. Networking is key, and GPA doesn't mean jack if you have poor interview skills.

So yes, a B+ is a fine grade.

Sources: www.gradeinflation.com, WSO, alumni

pwoods

"So I go to columbia and I realize that getting that 3.9 that I did in high school is significantly harder."

No ****.

"However, does College GPA have as much of an impact on Employment as High School GPA does for college admissions?"

Generally speaking, no. Since colleges are academic institutions, they obviously pay attention to GPA. Businesses are not academic institutions, so they pay less attention to GPA.

Grad schools, especially law school and med school, will pay a lot of attention to GPA. Very selective prestige occupations (I'm thinking of consulting and finance) will also pay a lot of attention to GPA. But for most employers, your GPA will not be weighted as heavily as work/internship experience and connections.

In your case, I think your facility with languages will matter much more than your GPA. If I were a recruiter for a government of NGO institution (or even SIPA), I'd be much more interested in the candidate who speaks 4 languages but has a 3.4 GPA than the one who speaks only English and Mandarin but has a 3.9 GPA. Especially if the former has internship experience and has been recommended by trusted colleagues.

gty101

I see. Thank you for your input!