What is your college freshman’s first semester GPA?

[Anonymous]

3.9 Communication Sciences and Disorders. (Speech and Language Pathology)

[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.

PP you responded to. My son has autism and ADHD and we've had to be extremely supportive (as in, tutors and executive functioning coaches) to get him into college. This is why we're a bit worried that without his support system, grades are slipping. He has accommodations from the disability office, but they're understandably more hands-off than the system he had last year. On the other hand, maybe we should be thrilled his grades haven't slipped more! Let's just say we hope that this is just the transition to college, and not an indication that it's going downhill from now on.

You can't know in advance who has students with special needs and who doesn't, but please don't blame poor mental health on parenting. Some of us have it GENETICALLY, and we'd give anything to not have to deal with that.

But you need perspective. A 3.6 is NOT BAD on any normal metric and NOT worth worrying about. They have moved to a completely different educational scenario and potentially a different level of difficulty (and even if not academically more difficult, it is more difficult in terms of having to navigate life). Expecting your child to maintain a perfect 4.0 in this sort of transition is simply unhealthy. I also have a kid with ADHD who is currently succeeding at a 4.0 level and it would NOT worry me if they went to college and got a 3.6 their first semester - AT ALL. They can assess whether they feel ok with that outcome and whether they need to make changes.

[Anonymous]

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

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

I don't want to know what your kid's GPA is, but you should probably want to know, if you're paying for it.

+1 seriously

Maybe those types of parents have a ton of money, great connections, so they don't care what GPA their kid has.

+2 I asked for the first couple semesters. Now my oldest is a junior and I know he's on top of it so I don't ask. For my younger, a freshman, I had assumed she was doing fine because all I heard was this semester's classes were too boring/easy (she couldn't place out of some classes she had done AP/IB) but we also looked at the specific GPA because I was helping her with a resume.

As for how it is overall, she's doing fine. Likes her school (a mid-range LAC) but doesn't love it, in part because 1st semester wasn't challenging but it will step up a lot next semester. LOVES her roommate, they are BFFs and plan to live together next year. Enjoys one EC (band) but a little frustrated that it conflicts with some other things she wants to try so she'll have to figure that out next semester. Beyond the roommate BFF has a wider group she hangs out with but doesn't really feel that they are quite her people. I expect she'll find those as she takes more classes, tries more ECs. Main complaints are crappy dorm bathrooms and the food is so-so. Overall, content with her choice.

What school?

[Anonymous]

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.

[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

You sound so insane I think you’re a troll.

Does he live at home? How do u know when he goes to class ?

[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

You have to let this go OP. They have to learn consequences. Maybe they were lazy to get the 3.6 vs 4.0 but they have to live with it. It's not like they are out partying every night and engaging in personally destructive behavior. They will do just fine, even if they maintain at a 3.6 level. You have to realize that now that they are in college - they have to want it for themself.

[Anonymous]

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.

[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.

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.

[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

whoa where is this? my kids is at UVA and in many departments, needs a 95 to get an A.

[Anonymous]

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.

Same here as both kids listed above. I think of the fun (too much fun sometimes) times I had at college, but I went away to college as a junior after CC. I don’t know how I would have been first semester as a 18 year old; most likely quieter and not as confident to make friends.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a college professor with a MCPS magnet kid.

In high school I suspect my kid will have a 4.0ish. Their first semester freshman GPA is shaping up to be an unweighted 4.0 (there will be a few B+A=A grades).

If they get to college and pull a 3.6 average across all 4 years that is a success to me.

Honestly, people. Get a grip.

We are talking about 1st semester 3.6 with a lot of repeated courses from HS.
It will likely get worse with upcoming new and more demanding courses. Also moving off-campus after the first years will also add to the challenges.

[Anonymous]

2.6 GPA, Skipped class and forget to turn in some work...

[Anonymous]

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.

I also hope my DC finds a way to do more than just school while away at college. I’m thinking if he’s just going to classes and back to dorm, he could have accomplished that by going to our CC. It’s only been 4 months into his new surroundings, so I’m being quietly hopeful. Every so often I drop suggestion of joining clubs, major/career organizations and just different areas to study.