What is your college freshman’s first semester GPA?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:New poster. New question. How did freshman first semester go for everyone’s kids? Do they like their college , roommate, dorm mates? Get involved socially at all? My kid says he likes his college, likes his roommate, classes, joined an intramural sport but I get the sense (I try not to pry) that he stays in his dorm room a lot. Of course I’m glad he didn’t go crazy with parties, etc but I hope the kid starts having some sort of college fun times soon. I don’t say too much and I know it was a transition, but am hoping he gets a bit more adventurous in future semesters. Joining a few more clubs, exploring the area, etc. He’s doing great so I really do keep my mouth shut ! Hope everyone’s kids are happy and adjusted well at their school.

This is my DC. They got 4.0, so I can't complain . They care about their grades, but I told DC to also have a bit of fun and socialize more. They tried a couple of clubs, but they said it was boring. They like one or two social clubs, and they do have friends; they are able to find someone to sit with in the dining hall most of the time.

I also hope they get more adventurous later, but not too too adventurous.

Mine too - 4.0 but even less participation than the two PPs describe. They said they have free time on top of getting those grades so maybe they will use second semester to broaden out a bit....if not socially, then find a job or research position. Time will tell but I hope they find a way to do more than just school. There are so many unique college opportunities out there. But it's not my life to live, it's theirs.

You have to tell your kid that they need to significantly shift modes. Unless for some reason you/they are convinced they are heading for a PhD, the incremental effort to achieve that 4.0 vs. a 3.5 is a waste of time if they are not taking advantage of the social/business fraternities and other networking aspects of college. I realize it is hard because HS was heavily fixated on that 4.0...but that 4.0 won't do nearly as much in the working world as the social network you form in college.

I'm one of the PPs, and I agree with you about the networking. DC does know the importance of it, and went to one of the internship fairs. I think DC is just not a huge social person. They like intimate gatherings rather than a huge club. I told them to look into joining a greek system, and they said they don't want to. They said they did try the parties earlier on, but there is just too much drinking, and they didn't find it enjoyable.

I think they are going to focus on the internships and career related orgs, so that's good. But, I do want them to have a social life, too. I do tell DC that if they get don't get that A/A+ it's fine, but DC was horrified that I said that.

Then there's my younger DC who is happy with a B, but I and they know if they put in just a bit more effort they can get an A.

Sheesh.

An internship fair is not social networking. That's corporate networking, which has value...but not creating a network of their peers.

If the school is a "big" frat school, there are usually frats for all types of people. My kid goes to a school where maybe 30% of the kids are in frats/sororities and there is an engineering frat, CS frat, there is a co-ed a capella frat. These are social frats with houses, not business frats. They don't party like some other frats.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is my college freshman’s first semester GPA?
IDK, and ideally I plan to keep it that way.

I like you, PP.

Our DC graduated last May. In four years, we never once knew her GPA. She'd have told us if we'd asked but we didn't. I occasionally would ask how grades were in general and she'd mention the letter grades overall in some classes. As long as she was learning and moving forward semester by semester toward her major and minor, the specific GPA just did not matter matter much to us.

She always talked a lot about what she was studying; assignments she was enjoying doing or assignments she didn't like; feedback from professors; details of projects, papers, group studies she was doing with others. If she'd been in academic trouble she'd have said so. Such a relief not to think about GPA but about whether she was thriving and setting herself up for a good life after graduation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:New poster. New question. How did freshman first semester go for everyone’s kids? Do they like their college , roommate, dorm mates? Get involved socially at all? My kid says he likes his college, likes his roommate, classes, joined an intramural sport but I get the sense (I try not to pry) that he stays in his dorm room a lot. Of course I’m glad he didn’t go crazy with parties, etc but I hope the kid starts having some sort of college fun times soon. I don’t say too much and I know it was a transition, but am hoping he gets a bit more adventurous in future semesters. Joining a few more clubs, exploring the area, etc. He’s doing great so I really do keep my mouth shut ! Hope everyone’s kids are happy and adjusted well at their school.

This is my DC. They got 4.0, so I can't complain . They care about their grades, but I told DC to also have a bit of fun and socialize more. They tried a couple of clubs, but they said it was boring. They like one or two social clubs, and they do have friends; they are able to find someone to sit with in the dining hall most of the time.

I also hope they get more adventurous later, but not too too adventurous.

Mine too - 4.0 but even less participation than the two PPs describe. They said they have free time on top of getting those grades so maybe they will use second semester to broaden out a bit....if not socially, then find a job or research position. Time will tell but I hope they find a way to do more than just school. There are so many unique college opportunities out there. But it's not my life to live, it's theirs.

You have to tell your kid that they need to significantly shift modes. Unless for some reason you/they are convinced they are heading for a PhD, the incremental effort to achieve that 4.0 vs. a 3.5 is a waste of time if they are not taking advantage of the social/business fraternities and other networking aspects of college. I realize it is hard because HS was heavily fixated on that 4.0...but that 4.0 won't do nearly as much in the working world as the social network you form in college.

The 4.0 isn't sucking their time - that's not the issue. They have free time - they spend it alone. The social side is definitely a hurdle for them (despite being a likeable friendly person) - we've encouraged them to do more (even in HS).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:4.0 gpa. Thrilled since Dc had a 3.4 in high school (big3 private)

Which second tier college are they at?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. He is in CS.
I am disappointed about the 3.6 due to the lack of effort and motivation.
The first semester is not challenging, with many similar courses from HS. He sleeps all day, skips most classes, switched to minor instead of pursuing a double major, and now wants to drop the minor and reduce his course load.
He was in magnet with top scores and gpa, is definitely capable of doing much better.
In his college 4.0 is attainable with a grade range of 85-100

Is he living at home? If not there’s no way you’d know how many hours he’s sleeping or his effort. I don’t blame him for switching out of a double major. That was probably your idea to begin with. If he got a 3.6 GPA that would mean he’s putting in effort and doing the work. Calm down

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
My freshman said 3.6. We're not that thrilled either, because we're used to the straight As of MCPS. We reminded him that the study abroad program he wants is very competitive.

With OP and answers like this - it's no wonder kids have such poor mental health these days. My kid had a 4.0, and that's great, but I'd be just as happy with 3.6. Maybe they had straight A's in HS because they weren't challenged enough.

And if you pulled every string to get them into an elite school, then don’t be surprised if it is challenging and your kid may stand out less than they did in high school.

Your kid is own your own now, and you will find out who that kid is (without tutors, nagging , consultants). Just remember your job is to love that person nonetheless.

I think you misunderstood me (PP) - my kid got 4.0 in their first semester. They are standing out just fine. I'm saying that I wouldn't be upset (as OP is) if the had a 3.6.

Or maybe you are adding on to what I said for the other PP?

[Anonymous]

We put four kids through college and never once asked and have no idea still what any of their GPAs were. All we know is that they all graduated with no honors (one a little late) from good colleges (ones that DCUM parents are jealous of) and they know all lead productive professional lives.

Also, as an aside, I think it is extraordinarily pathetic that posters whose kids have graduated from the so-called Big3 still frequent this board after their kids are in college to talk about their kids college GPA, while feeling compelled to mention that they graduated from a Big3 high school when no one asked and nobody gives a shit. Are you still going to be talking about your kids’
high schools when they’re in their 40s? Get a life man

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC skipped classes a lot, got 3.6. I am quite disappointed.
He was a high stats student in HS with uw 4.0 in magnet.

What school? NOVA.

[Anonymous]

4.0 in physics

[Anonymous]

3.3 in CS - top 10 CS school. It did shock us since he had a 4.6/4.0 in HS - straight As his entire life. He got 1 B and 1 A- in his second semester and back to straight As by third semester. Thanks god. His honors programs require a 3.6 long term.
So if you are wondering if your kid dropping their GPA is normal - yes. I think my kid found some classes he could not figure out how to get and A. Would go to all the lectures and do all the HW and attend the optional classes, whatever they are called and then the test would come and it would be stuff he swears was not covered in any of it. I believe him because he is not the type to embellish. I think some college profs just like to f-- with the kids a bit and unless you crack their code, you cannot win.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is my college freshman’s first semester GPA?
IDK, and ideally I plan to keep it that way.

I like you, PP.

Our DC graduated last May. In four years, we never once knew her GPA. She'd have told us if we'd asked but we didn't. I occasionally would ask how grades were in general and she'd mention the letter grades overall in some classes. As long as she was learning and moving forward semester by semester toward her major and minor, the specific GPA just did not matter matter much to us.

She always talked a lot about what she was studying; assignments she was enjoying doing or assignments she didn't like; feedback from professors; details of projects, papers, group studies she was doing with others. If she'd been in academic trouble she'd have said so. Such a relief not to think about GPA but about whether she was thriving and setting herself up for a good life after graduation.

it sounds like you have a very nice cordial relationship. I have a similar level relationship with my nieces and nephews.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:New poster. New question. How did freshman first semester go for everyone’s kids? Do they like their college , roommate, dorm mates? Get involved socially at all? My kid says he likes his college, likes his roommate, classes, joined an intramural sport but I get the sense (I try not to pry) that he stays in his dorm room a lot. Of course I’m glad he didn’t go crazy with parties, etc but I hope the kid starts having some sort of college fun times soon. I don’t say too much and I know it was a transition, but am hoping he gets a bit more adventurous in future semesters. Joining a few more clubs, exploring the area, etc. He’s doing great so I really do keep my mouth shut ! Hope everyone’s kids are happy and adjusted well at their school.

This is my DC. They got 4.0, so I can't complain . They care about their grades, but I told DC to also have a bit of fun and socialize more. They tried a couple of clubs, but they said it was boring. They like one or two social clubs, and they do have friends; they are able to find someone to sit with in the dining hall most of the time.

I also hope they get more adventurous later, but not too too adventurous.

Mine too - 4.0 but even less participation than the two PPs describe. They said they have free time on top of getting those grades so maybe they will use second semester to broaden out a bit....if not socially, then find a job or research position. Time will tell but I hope they find a way to do more than just school. There are so many unique college opportunities out there. But it's not my life to live, it's theirs.

You have to tell your kid that they need to significantly shift modes. Unless for some reason you/they are convinced they are heading for a PhD, the incremental effort to achieve that 4.0 vs. a 3.5 is a waste of time if they are not taking advantage of the social/business fraternities and other networking aspects of college. I realize it is hard because HS was heavily fixated on that 4.0...but that 4.0 won't do nearly as much in the working world as the social network you form in college.

Good lord. My kid apparently is on the Deans list after first semester at college. I received an email but my kid did not tell me. Happy for my kid, but whatever. Sent cookies and booze to celebrate. I also told my kid to chill out and have more fun. I guess everybody has different expectations for their kids in college. No one every asked me about my GPA when applying to jobs. I guess it would be different if I were a lawyer or doctor. Let them make mistakes and let them learn.

[Anonymous]

4.0 3 A+’s and 2 A’s

I am so proud of my kid in an honors program no less.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:4.0 at a top 20 after a 3.75 at a Big3. Tells us all the time how college is much easier than high school.

I have very mixed (to negative) feelings about this. I feel like the high school choice (which I helped this kid make) was a mistake.

Same. Kid is at an Ivy (that's not known for grade inflation).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:4.0 gpa. Thrilled since Dc had a 3.4 in high school (big3 private)

Which second tier college are they at?

The same one your mother went to, jerk!