What the OP boils down to is:
Will YOU need an A-average to make it to YOUR next step? What is needed to get to YOUR next step?
-If you want to get directly into an Ivy League university from high school, you should try for straight A's. (There are exceptions but not many.)
-If you are in college already and want to go to medical school, you better have an A-average. (Average GPA for medical school matriculates is about 3.7 on a 4.0 scale.)
-If you're in college and want to manage hedge funds at a top investment bank, you better try for an A-average.
-If you are on a scholarship that requires a minimum GPA, you better get that GPA or you will lose funding. That can mean having to drop out for some students at private schools.
-If you're in college and want to go to law school or business next and don't really care where you get your MBA or JD, okay grades will do - but you're more likely to get a scholarship and into a highly ranked graduate program with excellent grades.
-You are almost always more likely to get scholarships and into a better program if you have high grades.
That being said, there are also many open doors for people with mediocre grades. If you are not picky about your career, mediocre grades are fine. If you want to keep all doors of opportunity open, strive for the best grades possible.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lucky_Wishbone
I'm an average student (A mix of A's, B's, and C's... and very few failing grades here and there and I try to make up most of them if they're major), but I'm feeling unnecessarily pressured by other students and families.
I have friends who are working hard to become these A-students, and either they're really smart or they just work hard. These people cry over B+'s while I accept it as a passing grade. Sometimes, I think they take things too seriously, but I know that they are truly dedicated... very dedicated. I'm neutral on this.
I admit it: I'm a bipolar-student: sometimes I work hard and I'm focused while other times I get distracted and I even procrastinate. I relax at times because my health is critical during most period of school and I have other hobbies/plans when school is over, from volunteering, tutoring, or watching my favorite YouTuber who relieves my day! ^^
Isn't good grades enough? I do volunteering (Key Club), a passive sport (Archery Club), and a Fine Arts (Orchestra), so I'm not just a person who slaves over work. Why do people nowadays think that if one is an A-student, he or she is literally the Prophet of Education?? I'm the average Joe, smart and not, and I don't like this stereotyping.
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