IS IT IMPORTANT TO GET GOOD GRADES?

Dear 21st century student,

I know you have questions about your school grades.

Considering the current realities, you are wondering if there is any use acquiring a university education in the first place let alone getting good grades. Let me attend to the latter for now.

I trust by now you have become familiar with the words Grade Point Average (G.P.A). I remember when I first got into the University, one of the first things we were taught was 'How to calculate your GPA" (smiles).

Now let me say a few things about grades and allow you be the judge.

1) If you want to further your education (Post graduate degree) or get a job, usually the school or prospective employer considers your grades as a major selection criteria for a number of reasons.

• For entry level jobs where little or no work experience is required/expected, your school grades becomes about the only thing that can be used to distinguish you from other candidates.
• Most Universities require a minimum CGPA (cumulative grade point average) for entry into a post graduate program. How will it feel to be denied admission into the school of your choice because you did not meet the required cut off?
• Employers judge that an excellent grade tells a lot about your work ethic and other abilities. You and I know that is not the whole truth, but what do you do - you need the job, don't you?

2) I'll be the first to admit that your excellent grades may not always save the day in terms of getting you a job; Perfect grades aren't everything. However, let me be clear that there is a tremendous confidence boost that comes with being a high flyer at school. This confidence will help you greatly in many other aspects of life. Why deny yourself such a gift. Sadly, the converse is also true. Poor grades tend to erode your self-esteem. A 2002 study conducted by a psychologist at the University of Michigan showed 80 percent of students based their self worth on their academic success.

3) Many opportunities for scholarships and other "goodies" are usually given to the best performers. Do you want to guess how the best performers are spotted and decided? You guessed right! By their grades (Honors, CGPA). Don't hate me. I didn't make the rules, I'm just showing you how things work.

In summary, my many years of after-school experience has shown me that whilst grades are not necessary for achievement in life, it is difficult to ignore the realities of their extrinsic powers.

So here's my take.

Don't be motivated by grades alone. Be passionate about learning. Develop excellent traits like diligence, discipline and time management. If you do, your grades are most likely to sort themselves out.

So what do you think?

Whatever you decide, you can count on the fact that I'll be rooting for your success.

Cheers.