What To Do If Your GPA is Low?

Some of you have had to sacrifice and press on in spite of "non-traditional" and even harsh circumstances to pursue your college education. Some of you have worked full time jobs, had to raise children, or have been very actively engaged in student activities or leadership roles on your campus. This is all good, but sometimes for some the GPA (Grade Point Average) can take a hit.

If you haven't graduated my advise is--GET THAT GPA UP, even if it means focusing down on some of your activities and work hours. Keep in mind your long-term priorities. A low GPA can cost you thousands of dollars in entering the job market and less access to top career opportunities that can fast track your career.

But if it is too late...

1. Don't cry over spilt milk - Move forward with dignity and grace, and celebrate the fact that you have reached the privileged status of being a Black college graduate!

2. Consider we all have different learning styles, some are more conducive toward school, some are more hands on in working with people and within "real life" situations that we are more confident in engaging. Some of you that received "Cs" in school will get "As" in "real life" and in your careers.

3. Think about all the great leaders that were "C" students, including business owners and even our current President (ok well maybe not the best example-but he did get in) that were "C" students. Some people just don't begin excelling until after their formal academic careers are over.

4. Examine and design a plan to leverage your unique value to the job market. Consider developing a plan to market the leadership roles you held in campus organizations, part-time work, or internship opportunities--employers love people that can make things happen. Employers are looking for people who have shown prior performance, and GPA is only one indicator of future performance and leadership. How many high GPA students couldn't lead their way out of a wet paper bag?

5. Take the time to develop a strong and targeted resume, mistakes are a killer if you have a low GPA --so none are allowed at all! Showcase your leadership, outcomes of organizations and work activities you lead.

4. Leverage your fan club. Call on campus administrators who know your work, faculty, part-time and intern employers who can vouch for your leadership outside of the classroom. This could also include regional and national fraternity and sorority leaders who are aware of your work, or other local or national professional organization leaders that are aware of your work.

5. Get your hustle on!! What I have found over the years is that "C" students are often great hustlers, and can often talk their way into anything...thet just aren't as focused at times. I recommend that you get your hustle on, hit the pavement hard, and demonstrate your value to top employers who are always looking for great talent potential that they know is sometimes found as diamonds in the rough.

6. Get a good coach or mentor to work with you. You will need someone to help you decode scenarios, people, and circumstances. With experience and time on their side they can help you to avoid some pitfalls, or delays in getting plugged in with the right people and organizations.

7. Remember you have talent. Some people just take longer to demonstrate it due to circumstances, mistakes, or lack of focus. Its time to lay aside childish things, make yourself and your future a priority, and move forward.

Check out this great article at http://www.coba.unr.edu/faculty/parker/Grades.html written by John H. Williams of Pepperdine University about the Behavior Dimensions on Grades.

Take some time to write me and the many who have told me that they are following this blog. We would all love to hear from you on this or the other topics we have covered.
---KRW