7 answers
Judith
Student
Manteca, California
1
Question
Asked
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Does the college I go to matter?
I have kind of mediocre grades. (I wouldn't say they are too bad mostly a's and b's a couple c's here and there.) I want to be a teacher and am not sure which colleges will except me. I really want to be a teacher it has been my dream forever, but I don't know if it's achievable now because of my mediocre grades. Someone please tell me if my grades will still help me achieve my goals. Thank you.
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7 answers
Tiarra Hill
Teacher
43
Answers
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Updated
Tiarra’s Answer
For some, picking a specific college is important but some choose a college based on convenience and circumstances, such as financial ability to live away from home. Some students shop around, looking for the best programs for their field of study, but this varies based on the person. Look into the education program at local institutions and also look into state teaching requirements, as some states have implemented tests like the Praxis that can be costly and difficult to pass in order to get a teaching certification license.
Also, some institutions are more concerned with your passions and your character than they are your grades. Maybe try to get those C's up to a B minus, but that is not the exclusive issue at hand for some colleges. The mission statement or introductory paragraph or essay is where you want to excel. Explain your goals and aspirations to the college. Enhance your writing skills to garner their attention, so they will believe you and accept you into your program, so you can go onto to be one incredible teacher!
Also, some institutions are more concerned with your passions and your character than they are your grades. Maybe try to get those C's up to a B minus, but that is not the exclusive issue at hand for some colleges. The mission statement or introductory paragraph or essay is where you want to excel. Explain your goals and aspirations to the college. Enhance your writing skills to garner their attention, so they will believe you and accept you into your program, so you can go onto to be one incredible teacher!
Andrew Au
Professor of Mathematics & Statistics, Retired
183
Answers
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Your grades are fine. You do not need a 4.0 GPA to enroll into a “good” college. What I mean by a “good” college is one that would prepare you for your future career pursuit.
Does the college you go to matter? The answer is both yes and no.
Yes, it is important to pick a reputable and accredited college for your undergraduate degree program. Or else, you may be wasting money and time on a worthless degree.
On the other hand, the college from which you receive your degree is not as important as what you have learned in your undergraduate program. You get back what you have put in, and it is the knowledge and skill you acquire during your degree program that count.
It is admirable that you would like to be a teacher. It is a noble profession and you will touch and shape the lives of many.
That said, you should look for a college with an accredited education degree program that would prepare you for your future teaching career. You may have to pass a series of exams to earn a teaching certificate after graduation in many states.
Does the college you go to matter? The answer is both yes and no.
Yes, it is important to pick a reputable and accredited college for your undergraduate degree program. Or else, you may be wasting money and time on a worthless degree.
On the other hand, the college from which you receive your degree is not as important as what you have learned in your undergraduate program. You get back what you have put in, and it is the knowledge and skill you acquire during your degree program that count.
It is admirable that you would like to be a teacher. It is a noble profession and you will touch and shape the lives of many.
That said, you should look for a college with an accredited education degree program that would prepare you for your future teaching career. You may have to pass a series of exams to earn a teaching certificate after graduation in many states.
Ross Bailey
Sr. Associate Athletic Director at Texas Christian University
9
Answers
Fort Worth, Texas
Updated
Ross’s Answer
The university you graduate very much matters. Schools are ranked each year by several different organizations. US News and World Reports does a good job of ranking schools. You will find that your first 18-24 months at a school focused on the “core curriculum”. These are the basic courses. One option is to complete these courses at a junior college or a regional school and then when you have started to focus on what you want to major in, transfer to a. 4 year school that has good rankings for your academic specialty.
Kyle May
Commercial Photography/Videography
10
Answers
Columbia Station, Ohio
Updated
Kyle’s Answer
I totally disagree with the idea of school rankings. The school rankings are more of a popularity contest and clearly not an indicator that one university's education if better or worse than another. Do some research online or watch the documentary about the college entrance scandal that a bunch of rich folks got caught up in a few yrs ago. There are over 3,000 colleges and universities in the US and any one of those can provide you with a great college education if you apply yourself while there. Most states have a school with a fine education program to help you achieve your goal to be a teacher. Don't get caught up in the prestige of a school or the hype around a university. Think of it this way. Universities are like cars. You can spend $500,000 on a car to get you a few miles down the road, or you can spend $2,000 to make the same trip. Do you want to spend $500,000 so you can say you graduated from blah, blah, blah, university? I'd be wary of anyone that says you need to go to a certain school to achieve success. It's you that determines your level of success - not the school you attend.
gregory williams
Teacher
20
Answers
Hanover Park, Illinois
Updated
gregory’s Answer
As a fellow educator, I want to reassure you that your grades are perfectly adequate. For the majority of the courses you'll be taking, a grade of C or above will suffice. There might be some classes where you'll need a B to advance to the next level, but remember, your primary objective is to pass the crucial test that assesses your interaction with children and your suitability to teach. Your chosen teaching field, whether it's science, math, or history, will also factor in, particularly if you're aiming to teach at the middle or high school level. If you're considering becoming a pre-K teacher, the requirements might vary slightly due to the age difference of the children. Keep going, you're on the right track!
Hashaam Graphics
Experienced Graphic Designer with a Passion for Visual Excellence
1
Answer
Gujranwala, Punjab, Pakistan
Updated
Hashaam’s Answer
Dear [Judith],
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns about your grades and your aspiration to become a teacher. It's wonderful to hear that teaching has been your dream for a long time, and I want to assure you that your grades alone do not define your potential or determine your ability to achieve your goals.
While grades are a factor that colleges consider during the admissions process, they are not the sole indicator of your capabilities or your suitability for a teaching career. Admissions committees also consider other aspects such as personal statements, recommendation letters, extracurricular activities, and relevant experiences.
Here are a few points to consider:
Focus on your strengths: Although you mentioned having mediocre grades, it's important to highlight your strengths in other areas that make you a promising candidate for a teaching program. This could include your passion for teaching, any relevant experiences (volunteering, tutoring, mentoring), leadership roles, or qualities such as empathy, communication skills, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on students' lives.
Explore different college options: Research various colleges and universities that offer teacher education programs. Look for institutions that value holistic admissions and take into account a range of factors beyond just grades. Some institutions may focus more on personal qualities, experiences, and commitment to the field of education.
Build a strong application: Make sure to craft a compelling personal statement that showcases your dedication to becoming a teacher and how your experiences have shaped your goals. Request recommendation letters from individuals who can speak to your potential as a future educator. Additionally, consider gaining more experience in the education field through volunteering, interning, or participating in relevant workshops or conferences. These activities can strengthen your application and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
Consider alternative pathways: If you encounter challenges with traditional college admissions due to your grades, there may be alternative pathways to pursue your teaching career. Look into community colleges, vocational schools, or online programs that offer teacher education programs or pathways to certification.
Remember, becoming a teacher is not solely dependent on your grades but also on your passion, dedication, and commitment to lifelong learning. Many successful educators have overcome academic hurdles and achieved their dreams through perseverance and a genuine love for teaching.
I encourage you to speak with academic advisors, teachers, and professionals in the education field who can provide guidance specific to your situation. They may be able to provide more tailored advice and suggest potential options that align with your goals.
Believe in yourself and your ability to make a difference in the lives of future students. With determination, hard work, and a clear vision, you can overcome any challenges and achieve your dream of becoming a teacher.
Best of luck on your journey, and remember that your grades are just one piece of the puzzle!
Sincerely,
[Hashaam Graphics]
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns about your grades and your aspiration to become a teacher. It's wonderful to hear that teaching has been your dream for a long time, and I want to assure you that your grades alone do not define your potential or determine your ability to achieve your goals.
While grades are a factor that colleges consider during the admissions process, they are not the sole indicator of your capabilities or your suitability for a teaching career. Admissions committees also consider other aspects such as personal statements, recommendation letters, extracurricular activities, and relevant experiences.
Here are a few points to consider:
Focus on your strengths: Although you mentioned having mediocre grades, it's important to highlight your strengths in other areas that make you a promising candidate for a teaching program. This could include your passion for teaching, any relevant experiences (volunteering, tutoring, mentoring), leadership roles, or qualities such as empathy, communication skills, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on students' lives.
Explore different college options: Research various colleges and universities that offer teacher education programs. Look for institutions that value holistic admissions and take into account a range of factors beyond just grades. Some institutions may focus more on personal qualities, experiences, and commitment to the field of education.
Build a strong application: Make sure to craft a compelling personal statement that showcases your dedication to becoming a teacher and how your experiences have shaped your goals. Request recommendation letters from individuals who can speak to your potential as a future educator. Additionally, consider gaining more experience in the education field through volunteering, interning, or participating in relevant workshops or conferences. These activities can strengthen your application and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
Consider alternative pathways: If you encounter challenges with traditional college admissions due to your grades, there may be alternative pathways to pursue your teaching career. Look into community colleges, vocational schools, or online programs that offer teacher education programs or pathways to certification.
Remember, becoming a teacher is not solely dependent on your grades but also on your passion, dedication, and commitment to lifelong learning. Many successful educators have overcome academic hurdles and achieved their dreams through perseverance and a genuine love for teaching.
I encourage you to speak with academic advisors, teachers, and professionals in the education field who can provide guidance specific to your situation. They may be able to provide more tailored advice and suggest potential options that align with your goals.
Believe in yourself and your ability to make a difference in the lives of future students. With determination, hard work, and a clear vision, you can overcome any challenges and achieve your dream of becoming a teacher.
Best of luck on your journey, and remember that your grades are just one piece of the puzzle!
Sincerely,
[Hashaam Graphics]
A. Michelle Hawkins
Make contributions and identify volunteer opportunities for employees
108
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
A. Michelle’s Answer
Grades are important, but they are just one factor colleges consider for admissions. They also look at progression (have your grades improved over time? Are you taking more challenging courses?), leadership outside the classroom, work/internships, personal statements and letters of recommendation. It’s also not too late to address your grades through tutoring or additional assignments.
Next, research colleges’ teacher education programs, see what the requirements are and address any gap you can. I also encourage you to learn more about the profession - talk to people who teach or taught, consider being a classroom volunteer at a local elementary school and research the evolution of the profession.
Next, research colleges’ teacher education programs, see what the requirements are and address any gap you can. I also encourage you to learn more about the profession - talk to people who teach or taught, consider being a classroom volunteer at a local elementary school and research the evolution of the profession.