How to explain a low gpa
Hey guys,
Was wondering if anyone has a good way to answer this interview question, other than by explaining your involvement in extracurriculars
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"I did terribly in school. But then I adopted a VEGAN LIFESTYLE and got a 4.0 without even trying!" -Lloyd Blankfein
Interviewer: Why is your GPA so low? You: I have a sob story Interviewer: I don't believe you.
Interviewer: Why is your GPA so low? You: I focused on a lot of other things in college which ate up all of my time. Interviewer: I don't believe you.
Interviewer: Why is your GPA so low? You: I didn't work as hard as I could have to get a few extra questions right on a couple exams Interviewer: At least you didn't lie to me
Realistically, low GPA = dumb and/or lazy, not clever and super busy. Don't try to spin some sob story. Even if it's true, it might sound like a lie. And even if the interviewer believes you, he might not care, or think you're just making excuses. It's better to own the fact that you could have done better and move on.
I got what would be the equivalent of probably a 2.5-3.0 in the US system. When you're asked about it don't try and make up some bullshit excuse. Hold your hands up and admit you fucked up, and then you NEED to have 2-4 solid examples of how a) you've made up for it since and b) why some grade when you were a teenager doesn't in any way represent your abilities or intelligence.
Remember, there's a way around everything so never give up. Interviews (and everything) are just sales events where you're selling yourself. If you can't sell yourself then grades won't save you, if you can then you can work around anything.
brotherbear is right on. I had a sub-3.0 GPA and when asked about it, I just owned it. I say I was shelted as hell growing up and had a whole lot of growing up to do in college. Partied too much, didn't go to class, etc. Then I follow up with everything I accomplished in college and everything I've accomplished since.
If the person interviewing me was a 4.0 student, they're going to think I was immature. They're not wrong - I was. Better to be straight up with it, spin it how you want to spin it, and control the narrative of anything negative. Feeding the interviewer bullshit just invites them to craft the real narrative in their head. You snuff your weaknesses out right away and immediately counter with strengths and accomplishments.
If the person interviewing me was not a 4.0 student, which is far more common in real estate than banking, then they know I have social skills (the partying) and that I overcame adversity (which is the entire development industry) so I'm set. Hilariously, I got a 3.80+ GPA in grad school, which I was very proud of since it's a whole point better than my undergraduate GPA, and I had interviewers worried that I was "too much of a nerd" from my resume to fit in with their culture.