<p>So I am a freshman that transferred in 28 credits, and took only required courses (Gen Ed/Major) this semester.
I did really well in my Major requirement (CS 120, got somewhere between a B+ and an A-), but didn't do so hot in the rest.
I got a D in WRIT 111 (Joint Gen Ed) and a C+ in Calc 2.<br>
I got the credit for them, but will this meh- semester matter? I'm hoping my CS grade will bump up my GPA so it isn't totally crap, but should I worry for the grades in WRIT and Calc? Calculating my GPA I have over a 2.0, and I figure they're not needed in my major so as long as I get credit, it shouldn't matter. My future grades will definitely be better, as they're actually relevant.</p>
<p>Figured out what quality points are, disregard that. </p>
<p>Your calculus grade DOES MATTER. For most engineers, that math understanding is critical to understanding how to apply the physics or chemistry in any engineering problem. You might also brush off the writing grade as irrelevant; but good writing skills are important to any profession, including engineering, where you must document CLEARLY what you have done or are doing. </p>
<p>I would challenge you to get your head on straight and realize that college is giving you basics of engineering but in many ways the more important skill that you learn in college is how to learn. To be a good engineer you must become a lifelong learner, in a variety of subject both directly in your field and ancillary to your field. To that end, ALL grades matter.</p>
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<p>A-/B+ are not bad grades, but if you consider them “doing very well”, your standard of excellence is too low. Seriously, you need to work on your study habits and your standard of excellence needs to be an A. You won’t get all A’s, but that has to be your goal going in. In other words, you have to work harder or smarter, or both. Do you have some understanding of why your did so poorly? I suspect you settled for “good enough” and fell short more than you would have liked. If engineering is going to be your profession, you need to value the content of your classes more than you do. You need to put in the requisite effort and seek help and understanding when you get stuck. </p>
<p>Agree 1000% with the HPuck’s previous post. </p>
<p>Agree with CR Dad. A and B are “reasonable” grades but the competition for engineering internships and jobs is keen. Get in there, get cracking and work harder for better marks.</p>
<p>Ah, you guys mistook my statement, given my bad wording.
My grades are alright, but I understood the material really well.
CR Dad, you’re right. Settled/fell short. My mentality was the lazy Cs get Degrees, but I do see the error in that.
Thanks guys. Will this one bad semester hurt me that much if I get it together from now on?</p>
<p>The other thing to consider is whether a D in the writing course is sufficient to fulfill the requirement. Some schools require a higher grade (C- or C) to fulfill that particular requirement.</p>
<p>There’s an old adage in medicine. “What do you call the person who graduates last in their med school class? Doctor.” Lazy Cs do get degrees. It’s just that in engineering a pedigree like that won’t land a good job. The market for attractive jobs is pretty competitive. You won’t even get an interview at many places without a 3.0 and many prefer a 3.5. Certainly all isn’t lost. You just need to get your fecal material gathered into a nice stack 
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