Why does GPA matter? - Page 2

TSteven · #16 01-10-2006, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by frathole
Why worry about it?

In 1884, Isaac M. Jordan - one of the seven founders of Sigma Chi Fraternity - delineated the valued criteria for pledging Sigma Chi. It is known as the Jordan Standard.

The Jordan Standard

The standard with which the fraternity started was declared by Isaac M. Jordan to be that of admitting no man to membership in Sigma Chi who is not believed to be:

A man of good character...
A student of fair ability...
With ambitious purposes...
A congenial disposition...
Possessed of good morals...
Having a high sense of honor, and a deep sense of personal responsibility.

My personal interpretation of this is that "A student of fair ability..." should be viewed in the context of 1884. When being admitted to college or university was an academic achievement in it's own right. As such, an 1884 student (of fair ability) should in reality possess the academic qualities necessary for consideration to membership.

Now-a-days, this noble idea may not have the same connotation as it did in 1884. Especially with grade inflation and the passing students on for the sake of it etc. So now, "fair ability" is an eloquent way of saying "good GPA". And as such, when the fraternity, a chapter, or a campus requires a certain GPA to be a member, then so be it.

So with respect to the original poster's question, "Why worry about it [GPA]?", I do feel that the fraternity should worry - if and when a member (or PNM) can not meet the standards set forth by the fraternity. However, I would add that the same applies to any other standard or criteria set forth by the fraternity. Academics are one part of the whole fraternity experience and not something to get bent out of shape about especially when members are meeting the fraternity's academic criteria.

Having said that, I do understand that in some Greek systems, a "high" GPA may be an advantage or even necessary to be competitive. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with a high GPA.

KatieKD · #17 01-10-2006, 04:56 PM

Your parents aren't paying for you to do poorly! And a good GPA has great advantages that will payoff in the future. Sure, studying may seem awful now, but especially with the competitiveness today, it will only benefit you to do as well as you can. A 4.0 isn't necessary, but do your best!

adpiucf · #18 01-10-2006, 05:04 PM

Good scholarship was a principal of our founding. Our international structure rewards members and chapters for good scholarship, and within my campus, #1 GPA among sororities was a title the chapters aspired to.

I also think good academics mean you have good study habits that will later translate into good work habits-- and by extension a productive member of the working world.

flirt5721 · #19 01-10-2006, 05:10 PM

Alpha Xi Delta's open motto is "The pen is mightier then the sword" and that's what our founders wanted. Young ladies that would not only have fun but also care about their education. We are in college to get an education, not to fool around and not care about class or your GPA.

Our Vision
Inspiring women to realize their potential.

Our Mission
The mission of Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity is to enrich the life of every Alpha Xi Delta.
We will:

Nurture unity and cooperation
Foster intellectual , professional, and personal growth
Exemplify the highest ethical conduct
Instill community responsibility
Perpetuate fraternal growth

Tom Earp · #20 01-10-2006, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by frathole
I've read threads where people mention GPA as a huge part of their recruitment and chapter. Personally, I could care less if someone has a 4.0 or a 0.4, grades determine very little about a person. The same goes for extracurriculars. Some of the most dedicated, fun to be around, and best brothers in my house aren't going to break 2.0, on the other hand, there are brothers just as dedicated, fun to be around, and all around good guys with 3.9's.

Why worry about it?

I am not sure for what reason You posted this inane thread.

If one does not make GPA, they are Kicked out of School.
Remember, Yuo or anyone else seems to be spending much more of thier money, ($$$), to go to college. To Graduate from College, Yuou have to have a certain GPA.

What Greeks strive to do is not for glory, but to keep Membership up and growing or die. If a Member cannot stay in school, they are gone. Is that true?

All Greeks that I know of strive to be better.

I just wonder if You have to ask a question like this if You are in HS and With Low Grades.

frathole · #21 01-10-2006, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by KatieKD
Your parents aren't paying for you to do poorly! And a good GPA has great advantages that will payoff in the future. Sure, studying may seem awful now, but especially with the competitiveness today, it will only benefit you to do as well as you can. A 4.0 isn't necessary, but do your best!

I have a good GPA that I'm happy with, I have few if any concerns relating to its effect on me in the job market. Thats not true for all of my brothers.

Quote:

Originally posted by starang21
evidently scholarship isn't one of your principles.

Its not a criteria for membership, initiation, or rush. I guess you're right.

Quote:

Originally posted by Tom Earp
I just wonder if You have to ask a question like this if You are in HS and With Low Grades.

I'm not in high school. I got straight A's in high school at one of the top prep schools in the country, and go to one of the top 20 colleges in America. I have to ask this question because at least in my experience, grades and overall involvement and caliber of brother in my fraternity seem to be two things that can exist exclusively. I was pretty taken aback when I saw people treating fraternities and sororities like honor societies, instead of independant social entities with no vested intrest in anything but the relationships between the brothers in the house, and the survival of the organization.

During Rush, what should I set the minimum SAT score at, and how many essays should I require?

tunatartare · #22 01-10-2006, 06:49 PM

Just wondering what prep school you went to?

frathole · #23 01-10-2006, 06:52 PM

I don't want to post my school, fraternity, or hs on here because thats just weird, but I went to high school in the southern part of New Jersey.

tunatartare · #24 01-10-2006, 06:54 PM

Nevermind then because I went to prep school in New York, but not for HS.

frathole · #25 01-10-2006, 06:56 PM

NYC? Long Island?

tunatartare · #26 01-10-2006, 06:58 PM

NYC

irishpipes · #27 01-10-2006, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by frathole
I've read threads where people mention GPA as a huge part of their recruitment and chapter. Personally, I could care less if someone has a 4.0 or a 0.4, grades determine very little about a person. The same goes for extracurriculars. Some of the most dedicated, fun to be around, and best brothers in my house aren't going to break 2.0, on the other hand, there are brothers just as dedicated, fun to be around, and all around good guys with 3.9's.

Why worry about it?

Quote:

Originally posted by frathole
I have a good GPA that I'm happy with, I have few if any concerns relating to its effect on me in the job market. Thats not true for all of my brothers.

Its not a criteria for membership, initiation, or rush. I guess you're right.

I'm not in high school. I got straight A's in high school at one of the top prep schools in the country, and go to one of the top 20 colleges in America. I have to ask this question because at least in my experience, grades and overall involvement and caliber of brother in my fraternity seem to be two things that can exist exclusively. I was pretty taken aback when I saw people treating fraternities and sororities like honor societies, instead of independant social entities with no vested intrest in anything but the relationships between the brothers in the house, and the survival of the organization.

During Rush, what should I set the minimum SAT score at, and how many essays should I require?

Just pointing out the grammatical and spelling errors in your posts. I understand why grades don't matter to you.

To quote a classic, "We've got a pool and a pond, the pond would be good for you." Try fratty.net.

ETA: Sorry about that - I'm just messing with you.

KatieKD · #28 01-10-2006, 07:16 PM

If you have a good GPA then fine, you have no need to worry about it affecting future job opportunities. But if it were low, it certainly would hinder you to some extent.

frathole · #29 01-10-2006, 07:19 PM

"I could care less" is a colloquialism.

Putting an "'s" at the end of 3.9 is a colloquialism.

The rest of your corrections fly, and are good catches.

The final correction is an article at the end of a thought followed by a comma, not by a period, it technically works.

frathole · #30 01-10-2006, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by KatieKD
If you have a good GPA then fine, you have no need to worry about it affecting future job opportunities. But if it were low, it certainly would hinder you to some extent.

Yeah, this thread isn't about me though. I'm talking about why should it matter in general. I know there have to be some people out there who agree with me.