Stop Obsessing Over Your GPA, It Does Not Define You
Start writing a post
Student Life

Stop Obsessing Over Your GPA, It Does Not Define You

You are so much more than a grade point average.

61
Stop Obsessing Over Your GPA, It Does Not Define You
Megan Adair

One of my main takeaways from freshman year has been that college is not easy and it is nothing like high school. You can go through high school putting in minimal effort and ending with straight A's but college is nothing of the sort. Receiving straight A's is a lot rarer and a lot more effort has to be put into studying for this to occur.

Most students are constantly stressing about their grades. You take a test and then have to start preparing for the next. You submit a paper you've been working on for a week then have to start researching for the next paper due. Sometimes it feels like you'll never get a break.

It's important to have a concern for your GPA but it is not healthy to constantly stress over this number. Every person is different, some people just need a 3.0 to be content and others strive for a 3.8 or 3.9. Everyone has different goals but at the end of the day, is it really worth it to over-stress about every single assignment, to have a minimal social life, to basically live in the library, to get your 4.0?

Everyone is so focused on this number, I'm guilty of it myself. I stress over my GPA constantly, I get mad at myself for receiving a B, but then I realize how ridiculous that is. I'm learning a lot in college, I'm gaining experience, and I'm getting to know myself better. None of these things can be measured by that number on your transcript.

I came into college expecting my grades in college to be the same as my high school grades. I did very well my first semester, but the second semester, I'm expecting my GPA to drop and I've learned to accept this. The fact is, I took more challenging courses second semester. I can't expect the same outcome from taking different difficulty level classes.

I think it's great to set personal goals and to put a lot of effort into your grades but I don't think GPA is worth obsessing over. A 3.0 and a 4.0 GPA still receive the same diploma. If you have a high GPA, good for you. If you have a lower or average GPA, good for you. We're all college students doing our best and we are so much more than our grade point average.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

48028
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

30475
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

954440
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

173729
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments