What’s the big deal about having a 3.0 GPA? If you need money for college a 3.0 GPA will open the door for more scholarship opportunities. Yes, there are scholarships for students with a GPA of 2.0-2.5 and there are scholarships that don’t require a GPA. Students with a 3.0 or higher GPA will have better options for college acceptance, merit-based scholarships and internship opportunities. Also, many private organizations require a 3.0 as a minimum requirement for scholarship eligibility.
I had the opportunity to conduct a College and Career Readiness Program for grades 2-8. I explained to the elementary and middle school students that if they want money for college, they needed to do well in their classes now and strive for a B average. For many students the major barrier preventing them from achieving this goal is missing assignments. Too many have not figured out the relationship between missing work and the impactful link it can have on grades. Test grades are important but if you are putting forth your best efforts in the classroom by submitting assignments on time, getting help when you need it, and engaging in classroom discussions may determine if you are more likely to get C+ or a B.
For continuing college students, the same holds true. If you want more money for college you need to maintain a 3.0 which will give you additional scholarship opportunities from the institution and outside organizations. Also, the best internships go to students with a B average. Students who transfer from Community College to a 4-year institution are eligible for more transfer scholarship opportunities with a 3.0. If you are considering graduate school, the same criteria holds true. Bottom line, if you need money for college strive to maintain a 3.0 GPA.