“Cs get degrees” is a common saying for college students, but with the start of a new year and semester, some students are focused on getting grades in the A and B range.
Many California Baptist University students focus on getting these grades to pass their classes and to make the most of their education for their future.
Alysa Avila, freshman undeclared major, is on the cross country and track team at CBU, and she said getting good grades is vital for her role on the team.
“It is important for me to get good grades to be able to race and stay on the team,” Avila said.
Avila said she is not content with getting Cs in her classes.
“A lot of people say ‘Cs get degree’s, but it matters to me to get more than Cs because I know that will count more to my future employers,” Avila said. “I wouldn’t want to waste my money on straight Cs.”
Melissa Fleck, sophomore pre-nusing major, said that she began to focus on getting better grades after she was accepted into the nursing program in the fall.
“I had to write a personal statement essay, get letters of recommendation and fill out the application packet,” Fleck said. “After the paperwork, I had an interview and was soon notified that I was accepted.”
Fleck said she has to maintain a certain GPA if she wants to stay in the nursing program.
“I want to be a successful nurse, and one of the main ways of achieving that goal is to get good grades,” Fleck said. “It also is a fulfilling feeling to know you worked so hard for something.”
Students involved in sports or specific programs are required to keep a certain GPA to stay on the team, or they may face certain consequences.
“As a runner, we need to maintain a 2.0 (GPA) to be able to compete, otherwise we get put on academic probation,” Avila said.
Kushi Jones, director of the Career Center at CBU, explained why getting good grades is important to future employers.
“Employers see grades as an indication of your work ethic in all that you pursue,” Jones said. “If you obtain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, they feel confident you will work diligently for them in your respective job tasks because you had established a balanced work ethic and regimen while in college.”
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, many employers require a GPA of 3.0 at a minimum, although some employers interested in engineering look for a GPA of 3.5 or better.
Jones offered advice for those who need motivation to get good grades.
“Choose an academic major and ultimate career within your identified strengths; the good grades will come,” Jones said. “It doesn’t mean your academic studies won’t still be challenging, but they will make sense to you because you are wired this way.”
Jones said if one has in fact worked diligently in a particular class, sought tutorial assistance more than once at the Academic Success Center, met professors and completed any additional extra credit assignments and obtained a C, then she believes one did try their hardest to get good grades.
Some students have various reasons for getting good grades such as participating in an athletic team or looking ahead for future employers. Nonetheless, some students focus on getting superior grades.
