How to Answer The Interview Question: Why Is Your GPA Not Higher?
Why Is Your GPA Not Higher?
When you are set for an interview, you should be aware that others seek the same position. It would be best to use any advantage you have, such as high scores, work experience, higher academic qualifications, good grades, and additional qualifications. However, if you have lower grades, scores, or lesser qualifications, you have to be technical in addressing the interviewers based on these criteria during the interview.
One of such questions that should not make you apprehensive even though it puts you at an edge is Is Your GPA Not Higher?. Although you are being asked this question because your GPA may be lower than others invited for the interview, you should mind the answer you give when this question is asked. If you can properly answer this question, you are placing yourself in an advantageous position over others.
The Reason Why You Are being Asked About Your GPA?
Please do not get us misunderstood; this question is a tough one and has already placed you at a disadvantage. The recruitment process usually considers the GPA, and people with higher GPA scores have an advantage over those with lower GPA. Although the GPA is not used single-handedly, along with other criteria, your low GPA puts you at a disadvantage over the others.
Getting to this stage, you must have passed the minimum requirements and the minimum GPA required. But having a lower GPA, you may have to explain why you should be considered over the others with a higher GPA. Of course, it now places you in a more challenging position than the others. Now that you understand why it is vital to address this question adequately, we are sure that you will expect this question because of your GPA. It would be best if you prepared forehand to answer the question appropriately.
The Best Way to Answer this Question Effectively
You should be careful about your approach to the question, Why is Your GPA Not higher. The way you answer this question will determine if you will move to the next stage of the interview. Now, there are different scenarios that this question will turn up, and we are going to provide you with a suitable answer that you should render if you fall into any of the scenarios.
For Experienced Candidates in An Interview
If you fall into the category of a candidate with years of experience, then you can turn that into an advantage. When answering this question, you should focus on your experiences, using them to cover the shortcoming in your GPA. Below is an example of how to answer the question effectively:
I am aware that my GPA is low. However, it was enough to obtain my degree and qualify me for this interview, it would be inconsiderate to provide an excuse for the low GPA, but in this case, it is not an excuse. Rather it was due to the work experience I had acquired so far. During my school days, I was working two jobs which affected my studies. However, the job opportunities gave me the experiences I used now in the workplace. The period equipped me with the knowledge I could not have acquired in the classroom. In addition to the knowledge from my studies and the skills acquired from the jobs, I established a good work ethic that has been helpful to me and the organizations I am employed in. Right now, I feel that my work experience is my biggest asset for this job.
For Entry Level Candidate
Now, as a candidate fresh from school with no working experience, you face a more challenging situation with the question. At this stage, you must reiterate the area you were strong academically and where you excelled. The format below can be employed for an entry-level candidate in an interview, being faced with this question.
I understand the question regarding my grade, and there is no excuse for my academic qualification falling way below others. If you look into the details of the academic qualification, you will find that I had the best grades in the core courses related to my course of study. I was more focused on these courses, and during my first year of study, I didn’t dedicate as much time to the general courses, which affected my overall grades. Although not giving any excuses, the later part of my study shows that I can perform my duties in any said task assigned to me. And this will be replicated in my assigned duty as I would give my best in the assigned position.
What to Avoid in Answering This Question.
You should know that you are at a disadvantage already, compared to other people being asked this question. Thus, you must select the words you use and ensure that your answers do not worsen the situation, downgrade you or make it seem like getting a good grade is overrated. Below are some of the things you should avoid in answering the question:
- It would be best if you did not undermine the importance of good grades. Under no circumstances should you use phrases like high grades are overrated, it is not the grades that matter but the practical knowledge; I have never considered grades to be important, I am more knowledgeable than those with good grades, or any such phrases that undermine the importance of grades in selective processes.
- It would be best if you did not sound lazy to work for good grades, nor that you were too busy with social activities to focus on your grades. In this case, you should avoid phrases like there were other fun activities to focus on in school; I was too busy with other school activities aside from my studies. I was on the school union board, so it affected my school. I was the football team captain and was busy helping to build the school’s image or any such demanding statement.
- The first thing to do is take responsibility for your low GPA. to admit that some actions of yours were responsible and refuse to shift the blame to the teachers, parents, classmates, or any other unfamiliar circumstances that will affect your result.