Does anyone ever check your GPA?

When you are being considered for a higher ed teaching job, does anyone ever check the GPA on your degree? I ask because I killed myself getting a 4.0 on my master's and now I wonder why I went to so much trouble. Nobody seems to care. I'm working on a PhD now and, while getting a 4.0 is not an issue, I was wondering how much GPA counts.

 

My guess is that your excellent GPA made a big difference when you applied to your Doctoral program but made little difference in the job market.

 

You're right, I applied to 4 different doctoral programs and got accepted right away. I backed out of 3 and stuck with number 4. But nobody in the job market seems to know or care.

 

In all the hiring I've ever done in the high tech industry, I've never even once cared to know an applicants GPA let alone requested a transcript from them. Not sure how it works in the Higher Ed world but I'd imagine it's more about what sort of publications you have as opposed to a 4.0.

 

I know that most of private and public sectors don't care. The Honorable Mr. Collin Powell was a C average in college is one of the examples. However, what is about in the academia? Will you be accepted for a teaching position with LOW GPA?

 

I think the only time it really matters is for entry-level jobs where the employer requires a bachelors degree. I remember always having to report my GPA when applying for jobs coming out of Auburn but not once since then.

 

The only time I was ever asked about my GPA was in a police job interview and a degree wasn't even required for the job. They also had me fill out my GPA on the lengthy (like 13 page) application and background check forms.

 

It only really matters when you're moving to the next degree level, but not much outside of it.

 

Agreed. While some standardized application forms ask for it, I've never had it come up in an interview. (That matters. My undergrad and master's GPAs weren't any big deal, 3.4 and 3.8 respectively. But my Ph.D. didn't have grades or credits. No GPA.) I don't ask for it and, frankly, I think it looks silly on a resume.

 

I think if you graduate with honors you can put that on your resume, anything short of that is sort of pointless.

 

I think this is the important point. Your GPA affects you honors listed on your degree, which can matter a lot.

 

Michael,

In Texas public schools, about half of school district employment applications I’ve seen WILL require disclosing the GPA; typically an online application process. In actuality, it’s a redundant request because transcripts are required anyway. On the other hand, I spent over 20-years in private industry after leaving military service and was never asked about my GPA or for that matter, a transcript. Seemingly only the education industry, apart from the student, has interest in GPA(s) or even transcripts.

 

Here is another perspective: For AACSB accredited schools, your GPA, or more specifically, your class ranking upon graduation, will determine your eligibility for invitation to join Beta Gamma Sigma, the International Honor Society Recognizing Business Excellence. (BGS is affiliated with AACSB accredited schools). The faculty invites graduates to join, based on class ranking.

http://www.betagammasigma.org/

So having BGS membership on your CV means, not only that you graduated from an AACSB accredited degree program, but also that you graduated in the top X% of your class (see the website for the specific %). AACSB accredited business school faculty are familiar with BGS. So, just maybe, being a member of BGS may help in applying for teaching jobs in AACSB schools when you have an AACSB accredited MBA, but don’t have an AACSB accredited doctorate. Just a thought.

 

Yes, that's the one thing my 4.0 did for me; it got me into Pi Lambda Theta, which looks nice on a resume but isn't good for much else. It's made it easy to get into most doctorate programs. Nobody else seems to care.

 

Did you work for your 4.0 with the sole intention of impressing people or padding a resume? I think its a personal accomplishment
that deserves respect, pride, and commendation, ergo, GOOD JOB!

The thing about getting a college degree is that when school is over, its over, yet the degree and what you did there stay with you for life. Consider this: given the choice would you prefer to have that 4.0, or not have the 4.0?

That said, I'm unsure why you thought anyone would care more about your GPA. When choosing a doctor, do you ask to see medical school transcripts?

QUOTE=MichaelOliver;327213]Yes, that's the one thing my 4.0 did for me; it got me into Pi Lambda Theta, which looks nice on a resume but isn't good for much else. It's made it easy to get into most doctorate programs. Nobody else seems to care.[/QUOTE]

 

I'm just wanting to know what the HR people at potential university jobs might think of a GPA. Will they care? Impressing others is OK, but it's a pretty hollow motivation.

[/QUOTE]

 

Same here, e.g. Pi Lambda Theta and Delta Mu Delta; but truthfully, I, as do you, believe little care one way or the other ... except those organizations collecting membership dues.

 

LOL So true!

 

Agreed. GPA is generally not a big deal past the bachelors degree and entry level job. Reporting a GPA of 4.00 might actually generate some suspicion that an unknown school might have been an easy school.

 

I had never considered that before, but you are probably right.