College Gpa And Theology Grad School

[Poorly Catechized Convert]

So I guess this thread will reveal my tendency to freak out about grades. Especially since I've only just begun my Freshmen year of college, but I can't help it. So what would be a good college GPA? Based off my first history essay and Latin test, I' m expecting around a 3.5 (grade conversion charts). Granted I have a lot of time left and so things are likely to change. In addition I've heard my current scores are good, but I'm stuck in my need for a 4.0 from High School. Currently I'm thinking about trying to enter a theology Master's program once I graduate. What would those programs look for?

[Not The Philosopher]

I'm currently in a Master of Theological Studies program. I don't have my cumulative GPA on hand, but a lot of my grades were As and Bs. Being able to get good letters of reference is important for any graduate application, though.

 

You're a freshman, so I'd probably advise to just do your best and not sweat it this early.

 

(having a background in philosophy, and possibly a bit of Latin and or Greek would likely be an asset, though)

Edited October 12, 2013 by Not The Philosopher

[God the Father]

have you considered studying something practical

[Anastasia13]

3.5 are great. 3.0 or higher is good. 2.5-3.0 is ok, but you want to show you got smarts. 2.0-2.5 meh. >2.0, umm.... C (2.0s)s get degrees.

[Luigi]

It's WWAAAYYYY too early to worry about now. Take a breath! If that doesn't work, take a pill. 

 

Besides, it's not like hordes of people are stampeding into graduate theology programs. As long as you can pay the tuition - and read - you'll probably be accepted. 

[Anastasia13]

have you considered studying something practical

 

Or at least minoring in something skill based and getting some internship/volunteer experience.

 

But they are right. Don't worry about your graduating GPA yet. Just keep it up one term at a time doing the best you can. Some terms are better than others, but the important part is to do your best.
 

[CatherineM]

I was grateful that they didn't care about my law school grades, only my undergrad grades.

[Basilisa Marie]

Calm down.  I got into a theology MA grad program with a 3.2.  Grad programs weigh different elements differently. You'll also have your GRE scores, (great) recommendations from professors who know you well, a (great) personal statement. I expect my recommendations were really good, and/or that my program just took pretty much anyone with a handful of neurons. :hehe2:  A 4.0 in basic level classes is worse than a 3.5 in challenging classes.  

 

So what you need to do right now is to take some deep breaths.  You are a freshman (a baby freshman at that), right now you're learning how to survive in college on top of figuring out how to do college level work. Even if you only got through this year with Cs, you could still have a great chance of getting into grad school, because a lot of people understand that freshman year is a huge time of adjustment. You'd just have to show improvement, and do well in the other elements I listed above. 

 

BUT I know you're going to be just fine.  :)  It's good to be thinking about what you might want to do next, but right now you shouldn't start making too many solid plans.  Instead, focus on doing well in your classes right now, and getting to know some of your professors. Who knows - maybe you'll end up falling in love with metaphysics or history or teaching or something.  If you do decide to go the theology route, make sure you get the skills to teach it, whether it's minoring in Education (or double-majoring!), taking some pastoral ministry classes, or majoring in theology and then go for a Master's in Education.   There are so many options out there.  A minor in philosophy (not just with wimpy electives, also some upper-level courses too) was the best prep for grad school level reading for me. 

 

It's also very important to keep in mind that the person you are now is going to look different from the person you are when you graduate.  It'll be surprising.  Know that it's more important to really learn the material than it is to get an A.  :)