GPA anxiety, seeking advice

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Los Angeles
1

<p>I'm a second year computer science major, and as fall quarter grades roll in, I really need some advice. I absolutely love studying computer science, and I consider myself good at it, but my grades and GPA are low and it's really starting to take a toll on me mentally. As a freshman my GPA started out at ~2.5 and has hovered around there ever since. The math and physics requirements have really done me in, and my average grade is a C for any of those types of classes. Thankfully (mercifully) I'm finally done with the hell that is physics, and I'll be done with math by the end of this year. As far as CS goes, I've gotten a couple A's, a couple B's, and a C+; I'm starting my upper divs next quarter which I've actually really been looking forward to.</p>

<p>At this point I've pretty much realized that grad school just isn't an option given my current transcript (correct me if I'm wrong), and I think that will still hold even if I perform well in upper divs--although I'm more interested in industry than academia so having a graduate degree is less of a must-have. I've tweaked my study habits every quarter, seemingly to no effect. I try to downplay my stress and low self esteem by reminding myself that I have a good resume with internships and research and everything, but watching everyone else have an easier time with HSSEAS coursework than I do really sucks.</p>

<p>So, CC, I'm turning to you. I should just suck it up, right? Am I a freak of nature, or are there others out there who are having as hard a time as I am?</p>

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<p>Well, it’d help if you weren’t so busy releasing secret documents all the time.</p>

<p>In all seriousness, I did **** poor in my Physics classes too although I’m good at math. Currently I have a 3.3~. I’d say try to stick with it if you’ve got a passion for it. The best advice I can give you is just try to be interested in the course material and connect dots in your head rather than try to memorize stuff or just listen to the professor.</p>

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<p>Some employers will ask for your GPA, and some won’t. All employers will look at your internship and research experience (both plusses). In short, you’ll get a job, but maybe not as fast as others. The main thing is that you receive a (useful) degree. A week after college, your performance will only bother you if you let it. Just put a period on the end of the sentence and move on.</p>

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<p>Thanks guys. Yeah, I’ve applied to quite a few internships so far and most don’t seem to care about my GPA. I keep reminding myself that I have some good experience, I can communicate well, and I’m a boss at Linux :slight_smile: And yes, I have so much passion for CS that I’m willing to tough the lower div s**t out in order to get to the really interesting and meaningful courses. I knew going into this quarter that it would be a GPA killer, but thankfully next quarter should give me a significant boost. It’s hard to admit to myself how down I can get about my academic situation, but all in all I have a great life and a lot to be thankful for.</p>