5 Reasons Your Grades Aren't Everything | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

5 Reasons Your Grades Aren't Everything

There are more important things than getting an A.

605
5 Reasons Your Grades Aren't Everything
Jordan Safranski

In the crazy first few weeks of class, it can be insane trying to balance everything again. There are parties to attend, organizations to check out, and of course, mountains of homework and syllabi to look over. When you're feeling stressed and you find yourself already pulling those all-nighters and worrying about how you'll get through the year, always, always, always remember to take care of yourself before anything else. I decided a long time ago that my grades do not define me, and this has allowed me to both do well in school, and find amazing opportunities that an A on a test will never grant me. Life is worth so much more than getting good grades, and here’s why.

1. Employers Won’t Know

While having perfect grades certainly has the possibility of opening up more opportunities, what most employers are really looking for in a job candidate is relevant work experience. Getting involved in things like internships, summer jobs, and clubs that relate to the field you want to work in, is crucial in today’s society. If being involved in these things cuts into your studying time, just think -- you can’t put down your test scores on a resume.

2. You'll have more time for internships

Like I said, job experiences related to your field are the most valuable assets you can have when you get out into the workforce and start looking for a full-time job post college. If you're too busy working on getting a 4.0 to put down your textbook and look for some experience, chances are you'll fall flat going up against other possible job candidates.

3. You can network more

Along with getting internships, meeting people who can help further your career is a fantastic way (and sometimes the only way in today's competitive market) to land your dream job straight out of college. In between studying, spend some time polishing your LinkedIn profile, or go to a University event you know you can network at, or spend some time helping out a favorite professor to see if there's anything you can work with them on. People are willing to help you when you've made lasting connections with them.

4. You'll have a better support system

Going out to study, like finding a quiet place in the library or a comfy chair at a coffee shop, is a great way to get out an meet people, but that requires you to actually put your work down for a minute or two and make conversation. This will inevitably lead to more friends, and more people who are going to be able to help you out when classes (and life) get hard, so put down the book and talk to people!

5. You'll be less stressed

Mental health is a huge problem all throughout colleges across the nation, and it's not surprising given how stressful classes and schoolwork can be. If you feel like you're drowning in a sea of textbooks and notes, it's okay to take a break now and then. You won't be performing your best if you're struggling just to make it through the day.

Yes, your grades are important, but so is your happiness! College is full of so many opportunities that have nothing to due with your GPA. Once you let go of needing that 4.0, you can experience so many more amazing things.

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

Iconic Duos: Timeless Legends

From Luke and Leia to Beyonce's twins...

774423
Luke and Leia from Star Wars, a iconic duo
Lucasfilm

“Name a more iconic duo... I'll wait." OK, well, if you insist. In no particular order, here's a list of 100 iconic duos that seem to be timeless.

SEE MORE: This Is The ICONIC Disney Sidekick You Are To Your BFF, According To Your Zodiac Sign

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

College Life: As Told By Bob's Burgers

If there's anyone who understand the struggles of college, it's the Belcher family

521
Bob's Burgers

College is a time of gaining independence, exploring new things, and copious amounts of Netflix. If you're like me, you often find yourself laughing at the sheer ridiculousness of the situations you find yourself in. Here are ten times Bob's Burgers accurately captured college life.

1. What you're pretty sure your upstairs neighbors do at 3am every morning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Why Theater Kids Are the Greatest People Ever

Supportive and spontaneous human beings are the best.

400
Theater Kids

Throughout school, the theater department has always been my go-to place with go-to people when I need advice, a dance party, or just someone to listen to me vent.

You never know what's going to happen when you're dealing with theatre or what kind of characters you'll encounter. We have too much fun doing anything! One time in my senior year acting class, we spent an entire class period watching Bob's Burgers, and it was the greatest class period ever.

Keep Reading...Show less
Gilmore Girls
Hypable

In honor of Mother’s Day, I have been thinking of all the things my mom does for my family and me. Although I couldn’t write nearly all of them, here are a few things that moms do for us.

They find that shirt that’s right in front of you, but just you can’t seem to find.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Reasons To Thank Your Best Friend

Take the time to thank that one friend in your life you will never let go of.

7207
Thank You on wooden blocks

1. Thank you for being the one I can always count on to be honest.

A true friend will tell you if the shirt is ugly, or at least ask to borrow it and "accidentally" burn it.

2. Thank you for accepting me for who I am.

A best friend will love you regardless of the stale french fries you left on the floor of your car, or when you had lice in 8th grade and no one wanted to talk to you.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments