ADVICE TO AN ENGINEERING STUDENT IN GRADE DILEMMA
Hello Jarus,
I’m a third year student of Regional Maritime University, Ghana, offering a Bsc programme in Marine Engineering. When I came here my goal was to make a first class. I felt I was capable because if my academic background and all that; but after the first semester results I saw getting a first class was impossible. I had a 2.09 on 4.0.
I started working towards getting a strong 2.1. Second semester I had a 2.8/4.0, had Es in 2 three unit courses and this affected my second semester result. Second year first semester I had a 3.12 on 4.0. I felt I was getting there, second semester the results came and I saw a 2.19 on 4.0 bringing my total CGPA to 2.5.
The second semester results really affected me to the point that I thought of killing myself, life had no meaning again to me. I looked at the whole thing and the best I could come out with is a 2.2. I have made up my mind to go for another engineering degree when I’m done but I want to know the probability of getting a 2.1 or first class in that second degree and would also like to know which engineering course is the least difficult to make good grades in.
Thank you.
***
Dear Worried Student,
You don’t need to kill yourself because you couldn’t achieve the grade of your desire. The truth is, there is no guarantee that if you make 2.1 or first class, your life would be better than if you make 2.2. So, calm down.
It is normal to plan, and things not turning out as planned. I still think you can make a 2.1, as you’re in your third year and still have at least three semesters to go. Write out the courses you will offer in your final year calculate the grades you need to make in each course to make your final CGPA fall within the 2.1 bracket. Make up your mind, study well, and try to treat past questions. Take your project seriously as I understand it carries heavy weight in your final CGPA.
That said, even if you don’t make a 2.1, that’s not the end of life. 2.2 isn’t that bad either.
I don’t think you need to start all over again with another engineering course all because of 2.1. What happens if you don’t make 2.1 in that new course too? What happens if you make 2.1 and it doesn’t improve your quality of life. I think you should live with the 2.2, if you can’t push it to 2.1, and start thinking of how you can make your 2.2 work for you post-school.
There are many successful 2.2 graduates out there. You don’t need to enroll for another engineering course just because you want to make 2.1.
I wish you all the best.
Jarus
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