Understating GPA for motivation
Hi monkeys,
With all the posts about GPA floating around, I wanted to share my experience. Coming into my junior year I had a 3.95 at a super target school. I could ace tests in my sleep. I'd get emails from recruiters daily. I felt like a celeb, but something was missing. I missed the grind.
I decided the only way to make school interesting was to lie about my GPA and make recruiting more difficult. I gave myself a 0.2 GPA handicap. Now, when I earn a 3.95, I tell recruiters I got a 3.75.
I suddenly feel motivated to compete with my idiot classmates again. The game is interesting now. Question is, should I be handicapping even more? Has anyone decreased their GPA by 0.3-0.5? If so, what was the impact on recruiting?
Excited to hear from other high achievers.
When I was recruiting, my GPA was 3.85. I would often intentionally mistype it as 3.58, giving myself a 0.27 handicap. I found that this was enough to make the game interesting for me. Would recommend, but make sure the reversal lowers your GPA for the intended affect. Some idiots actually round up their GPA, ruining the fun.
I don't understand the people who overstate their GPA. It's like trying to negotiate lower rent. No incentive to make more money.
I used to pay $700 on my 1bd in Chattanooga (where I regularly hit 15 below par on the muni). After being promoted to branch manager at Wells Fargo I didn't want to get complacent so I started tipping $150/month.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, intentionally understating your GPA for motivation or to make recruiting more challenging is an unconventional and risky strategy. While it might add a personal sense of "grind" or competition, it could backfire in several ways:
Perception of Academic Capability: Many recruiters use GPA as a quick filter to assess candidates' academic abilities. By lowering your reported GPA, you might inadvertently disqualify yourself from opportunities where a higher GPA would have secured an interview.
Competitive Edge: A high GPA, especially from a super target school, is a significant advantage in competitive recruiting processes. Undervaluing it could place you at a disadvantage compared to peers who present their true academic achievements.
Consistency and Integrity: If discrepancies arise between your reported GPA and official transcripts, it could raise questions about your honesty, which is a critical trait in high-stakes industries.
Instead of handicapping your GPA, consider channeling your motivation into other areas: - Pursue challenging extracurriculars: Join or lead initiatives like student-managed investment funds, case competitions, or community projects. - Develop new skills: Focus on technical skills, certifications, or languages that can set you apart. - Network strategically: Build relationships with professionals in your target industry to gain insights and opportunities.
While the "grind" is important, leveraging your strengths and maintaining authenticity will likely yield better long-term results.
Sources: Did my GPA screw up my application?, PE Recruiting as a Lateral Analyst w/ Weak Academic Profile, How much of a "hook" is legacy at a college?, Should I include my GPA in my resume if it is not ideal?, 10 Tips to Maximize Your GPA
Rookie start. Personally I cut off both hands to set myself a real challenge.
You should see how fast these dogs can hit ALT WVG.
Made a couple of interns cry, but I think that’s just my aura
I get the idea of creating challenge, but misreporting GPA can backfire badly—especially with background checks.
Better to raise the bar elsewhere: tougher roles, stronger technicals, and higher personal standards.
The goal isn’t to look worse, it’s to become harder to ignore.
This here is why AI will never replace humans
What do you mean here??
Your retarded
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