I have just transferred to a 4 year school from a community
college. During my three semesters at the community college, my grades were above average (3.6-3.8 GPA). During my first semester at the 4 year school, I only got a 2.7 GPA. My 4 year school doesn't factor in my
previous GPA until graduation, so under their rules, I only have a 2.7 GPA. But if you include my first three semesters, my GPA would be much higher. When sending out resumes, should I use the GPA according to my 4 year
school or use my overall GPA including my first three semesters? I'm worried that if I do the latter, it may be unethical. Is it?
From: William Farrauto, Junior, Millersville University
ANSWER FROM BRIAN KRUEGER:
Hi William -
Use the cumulative GPA for both schools. List it exactly as that on your resume. And work hard to bring your GPA back up over a 3.0 overall at your new school for future reference. If anyone
challenges you on the GPA (it probably will never happen), just make sure you have transcripts available from both schools. It's not unethical--your true cumulative GPA would be all four semesters combined.
You will
be forgiven for one semester of lower grades if someone does in fact look closer. However, if you continue with the lower grades at the 4-yr school, one could honestly ask whether the community college was a much easier
curriculum and default back to considering only your current GPA. So make sure you do your best to bring your grades up at your current school.
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