Is this an okay gpa for a finance major? (Ivy, schools, credits)

[Her]

I currently have a 3.6 but will probably have a 3.5 by the end of the semester because I forsee a "c". I am going on a year long exchange before graduation and unfortunately, only the credits count. The actual grades I get while on exchange will not factor into my gpa. So a year before graduating, I know what gpa I will graduate with.

I'm not sure if I want to go to grad school. Probably. Is 3.5 a pretty good gpa? People I have asked tell me it's okay but not great. I have been on the dean's list for numerous semesters and in the national honors society. I have also always worked while in school in a related field. I hope maybe that will count for something.

I don't know. Just want to know if gpa is that important. Thanks a lot for any advice or input.

[DonnaReed]

Originally Posted by Her

I currently have a 3.6 but will probably have a 3.5 by the end of the semester because I forsee a "c". I am going on a year long exchange before graduation and unfortunately, only the credits count. The actual grades I get while on exchange will not factor into my gpa. So a year before graduating, I know what gpa I will graduate with.

I'm not sure if I want to go to grad school. Probably. Is 3.5 a pretty good gpa? People I have asked tell me it's okay but not great. I have been on the dean's list for numerous semesters and in the national honors society. I have also always worked while in school in a related field. I hope maybe that will count for something.

I don't know. Just want to know if gpa is that important. Thanks a lot for any advice or input.

3.5 is a very good GPA.
I think 3.5 will get you C-um Laude (with praise) designation on your transcript.

Deans List and National Honors indeed counts.

You know how a good cover letter makes an employer want to read your resume.

*** Laude, Deans List, National Honors will make a college interested in reading your personal statement to see who you are, what your goals are and why (and if) they want to invite you to attend their school.

If your highest grades are in finance or finance related courses, that's even better.

ALSO, the "Exchange" will enhance your grad school application AND some extracurricular activities and volunteer work will further enhance it.

All of the above with an azz-kicking (sell yourself) Personal Statement would give you a good shot at the Ivy's, and certainly other private universities as well.

With what you have here, it's your Personal Statement that be the clincher.

[Jaggy001]

Our company only hires 3.4 and above. So with 3.5 you are in good shape I think.

[Synergy1]

Originally Posted by Her

I currently have a 3.6 but will probably have a 3.5 by the end of the semester because I forsee a "c". I am going on a year long exchange before graduation and unfortunately, only the credits count. The actual grades I get while on exchange will not factor into my gpa. So a year before graduating, I know what gpa I will graduate with.

I'm not sure if I want to go to grad school. Probably. Is 3.5 a pretty good gpa? People I have asked tell me it's okay but not great. I have been on the dean's list for numerous semesters and in the national honors society. I have also always worked while in school in a related field. I hope maybe that will count for something.

I don't know. Just want to know if gpa is that important. Thanks a lot for any advice or input.

I discovered tha A GPA in all the 25 + schools I applied views a GPA as a prerequisite to attending class with other students of the same caliber.

I had a 3.75 as a GPA for undergrad and 3.64 for Grad school. In order to be accepted to grad school my GPA for my Grad school had to be 3.00 with no exceptions. I attended calls with a room full of 4.0 students but I just couldn't get to that point. Statistics was my weak subject and the 4 classes I took I earned just a B. So my GPS crashed. To get into a doctorial program the minimum acceptance is 3.5. However, I knew no one with a 3.5 because all were higher.

[TylerJAX]

3.6 at a tier 1 school is great, 3.6 at a tier 3 school is so-so.

[akorosdc]

3.5 looks good to me. At least, it's higher than my GPA in economics, which I was always told was good (3.3). If it is an issue, I think it would only be at the highest of schools. The most common GPA requirement I see is 3.0, so you're fine with that. I know plenty of people who have gotten jobs or into school with lower.

If you're really worried about the GPA, try getting a job and working before going to grad school (I know, easier said then done nowadays). A decent GPA and good work experience can help you, and you could also find a place that will pay for some courses. Not to mention, working in the field will help you figure out exactly what you want with regards to a career and education.

[Her]

Thanks for the replies! I actually have been working in a related field. I've worked all through college and right now work under a finance major so it has been very helpful. Thanks a lot!