Many times, only the bests get recognized. No one cares about mediocrity as there are a lot of people in this circle. But the truth is, no one wants to be left behind. This is why everyone strives to be at the top. In this article we shall see Is It Bad To Have A ‘C’ On Your College Transcript?
Having a ‘C’ on your college transcript is not a good thing. It may hinder the possibility of progressing in your career in the future. So, if you are still in college and you have noticed a ‘C’ in your grades record, you should do everything within your power to make your grades better.
Some Disadvantages of Having A ‘C’ On Your College Transcript
A transcript is a summary of your academic record. It contains all the courses you have taken up until now and the grades you had in each of them. Now, you might want to wonder how bad a ‘C’ can look on your college transcript.
Well, indeed, life does not move in a linear progression, as in the long run, you might take a path that does not require your transcript. However, it is better to be well equipped when opportunities come knocking on your door, as there is a high chance you might start your life off as a job-seeking graduate, and many sectors often consider how disciplined you are with your studies.
Having a C on your college transcript is not the end of the world, but it is something you should avoid while you have the chance because it comes with the following disadvantages.
I) You are limited in your chances of being employed in some fields
II) You are not considered for academic-related competitions in college
III) You are less likely to get or maintain a scholarship / financial aid.
You Are Limited In Your Chances Of Being Employed In Some Fields
According to Susan Adams, a senior editor in charge of Forbes’ education coverage, employers do look at college transcripts in their process of interviewing potential employees. According to a 2013 survey of more than 200 employers conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 67% of companies said they screened candidates by their GPA. If this is the case, then it is advisable to put in your best in college.
You Are Not Considered For Academic-Related Competitions In College
Only smart students participate in academic-related competitions in college. Activities like these help in giving students good records in college. It shows that the school passed through them, and they also passed through the school. So, if there is any chance to improve your resume by engaging in brain-tasking extracurricular activities, why don’t you grab the chance. All it takes is some extra guidance, push, and discipline.
You Are Less Likely To Get Or Maintain A Scholarship / Financial Aid
It is expected that if someone else is paying your college bills, the best way to appreciate their efforts is by having good and excellent grades. So, for you to get scholarships or enjoy any form of financial aid from organizations that offer them, you have to show them what you have to offer. Students who enjoy these benefits, have to maintain some minimum GPA standard to retain eligibility. For instance, the Georgian Zell Miller Scholarship Program requires a minimum standard of 3.7 GPA. So, if you hope to benefit from any form of financial aid or scholarship, then you need to prove that your tuition bills are worth catering for.
Now, let us briefly examine three ways of avoiding a ‘C’ on your transcript.
Three Ways Of Avoiding A ‘C’ On Your Transcript
Avoiding a ‘C’ is no big deal, you just have to be intentional about how much discipline you put into your studies.
I) Try to read ahead. One way to achieve this is to get your syllabi for the semester and create a daily reading plan. Read up on the next topic to be taught and get your questions ready. This expands your horizon of understanding and prepares you well for exams.
II) Don’t skip classes. Attending classes allows you to get the explanation from the lecturer, ask questions, partake in classroom activities, and also, you expose yourself to relevant announcements.
III) Be friends with smart students. You have to understand that you are influenced by the company you keep. So, hanging out and studying with smart students will improve your academic progress, and subsequently give you better grades.
So, if you are still in college and on the verge of rubbing off a ‘C’ from your transcripts, it is very much possible. But, if you are done with college, and you have a ‘C’ on your transcript, that is not the end of the world either. If you think your path in life has so much to do with your grades, then you can opt for an Academic Fresh Start, or, start afresh in a new college. It is never too late to go for what you want.
Conclusion
It is good to do well, whatever is worth doing. So, if you are a college student, it is good you be a good one. Even if you are going to have a ‘C’, let it be that you have tried everything possible to have an ‘A’, because all that matters is the process and how much effort you put in.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) If I have a ‘C’ on my college transcript at graduation, will I be able to get a job?
Answer
Yes, you will, but your chances will be limited. Some great companies don’t consider transcripts, but many others still do. So it is safer to have better grades, that way, you can confidently apply for jobs in any company of your choice.
2) Is there a chance of improving a transcript with a ‘C’?
Answer
Yes. There is a great chance to do this, especially if you are still a freshman or in your sophomore year.