<p>@agg999 GPA is important, but only to a certain level. For example, most companies decide that if a student’s GPA is over a _____, they will consider them. Sometimes this is a 3.0, sometimes a 3.5, and for very competitive opportunities, occasionally a 3.7. Pretty much if you have over whatever GPA they have as a baseline, you are fine and they will be focusing on other things like your resume. I have some friends getting paid around $18/hour on the low end, and $27/hour on the higher end. As a Freshman you definitely can get these opportunities as long as you do the work to put yourself out there and find them. I have many friends who got internships the summer after freshman year, did research freshman year, etc. I would recommend attending the fall fairs just to walk around and observe what’s going on, ask questions to employers about what they look for, etc. and then attend the spring fairs as someone looking for opportunities.
Glad I could help!! :)</p>