r/gatech • u/whitegoldgrad • 3d ago

Question Should I graduate or delay a semester and improve my chances?

So, I’ve had some challenges and I’m already graduating in 7 years…I had to drop a lot of semesters. But I’m finally here and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! I could graduate this semester with a <3.0 GPA. Or, I could delay another semester and possibly graduate with >3.0 (grade replacement).

I also don’t have much work experience so finding a job is going to be hard. I’m an engineering major and the job market is tough right now, so would it make sense to take another semester to also take advantage of the opportunities from GT career events?

I could also take classes to get my GPA up. My ultimate goal is to return for a Master’s. I’ve been able to do well in classes recently and I think that I would be able to handle part time Master’s courses. The only thing is that I want to get into the MS ME or EE programs and they have a strict GPA requirement.

Should I graduate this semester? If I graduate this semester, could I take classes after to increase my GPA? Or, should I delay to next semester/walk early with 1-2 classes left for next semester?

13 Upvotes

85% Upvoted

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9

u/boundforthestar 3d ago

It takes like a year of applying to get a job anyway. Might as well be in school while you do it.

14

u/kwakakwak 3d ago edited 3d ago

I’m only a third year student, but if I were in your shoes, I would take the extra semester

Delaying graduation isn’t an issue as long as the tuition isn’t a problem, but many jobs and grad schools require at least a 3.0 to be considered. If you don’t have any current job prospects, and you can guarantee making that bump to your gpa it sounds like the best option since you’ll also keep access to GT resources and continue being able to attend career fairs

It may be better to talk to professionals in your industry about this, but those are my two cents. Best of luck! :)

4

u/ying1996 2d ago

If you’re sure you can get >3.0, an extra semester would be great to get u over gpa cutoffs for grad school and you could also look for relevant part time jobs to boost your resume