Screwed up big time this semester - Page 3

Let's look at your list:

1. Yahoo's stupid. The link says that there are 6, but the article actually has 5, as stated in the article header.

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Of your list only 1 and 2 are actually IT jobs. Additionally, all your link actually showed was that the industry is growing and gave two specific examples. If you're going to say I'm "completely wrong" at least offer real evidence. Additionally, the Dept of Labor stats you cited (hint, here's the full link: http://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2007/11/art5full.pdf ) are for the median annual wage. People don't start at the median wage, that's why it's a median. Unless he has substantial work experience beyond his curriculum, he can expect a starting salary in the 40k-50k range, unless he's pro at selling himself.

Next time please avoid talking about industries you don't understand. Thanks.

If you were saying that the "vast majority" of CS jobs are not underpaid, then I question what you think constitutes a "CS" job.

Depending on your University you can re-take D's and get the grade replaced. C's are really the worst long term for GPAs not like it matters for many though..

Developers with any sort of ability at all have no problem doing much better than 50k. The company I work for researches the job market extensively and targets pay in the 66th percentile -- even people fresh out of school do get paid much more than 50k. Unless you're talking about some simple web crap or some IT drone who only has a couple basic certs. If that describes you, then well, my condolences.

YEAH BRAH BRING ON THE AD HOMINEMZ.
I CONCEDE TO UR WILL AND SMARTS, DOOD.

Both of you, really. The question of most importance is the kid's total debt. If he only has to cover $2k, even 30-40k starting salary (which is not horrific, honestly) will be ok, especially because $2k can be on a Stafford loan, possibly with an interest subsidy. There are always exceptions to average pay (thankfully!), just as there is typically a pool of low-paid workers with (often, but not always) lower abilities. If he's already got 30-50k debt, that's another matter, but heck, I think the reality these days is borrowing equal to your entire first year's salary. I did. Hard to avoid it. ~ H

Drop the class and retake. Eat the $1800 into your loans. Your GPA might not be important now, but consider if you don't convert the co-op into a job. Then it might matter. Plus, the information might be useful. If you are failing, perhaps another go around would do you well to learn the stuff.

I didn't mean to look as though I was arguing against your point that sadly, in today's world, borrowing [an additional] $1800 is nothing for college. I was just trying to inform a bit more about the CS field. FWIW I think eating the loan and redoing the sem's classes is the smart decision also.

other than hardcore engineering, what entry level post-college position pays significantly higher than 50k?

none.

50k is fine and average for a technical major. liberal arts earn about 40k or less.

^^^ Dunno what this is responding to, but consultants and bankers do much better out of college. As for the 2K, eat it. It don't think it matters what his debt burden is. If he's borrowing 50K, that's a 1% increase. Huntsman, let me know if I'm missing a major point. Second, don't too upset about. You'll still have to explain it away in professional school applications, but you were working full time, and that's one of the more acceptable excuses for a fuckup, which everyone is allowed.

That comes to 4% per my calcs.

lol

Stop working.

Drop all the classes and maintain your good GPA

Fuck the money. The lasting effects of your GPA are forever. You can pay back the $2500 and be done.

Get a loan.

Get the BEST job you can out of school and focus on one thing at a time. Don't get married just yet. She'll understand your situation if she has any sense.

Write down your goals in life and then you will understand the reason you are in school. Then you will work to achieve those goals. If your goals require school you will get good grades. If your goals do not require school you will be doing something that you enjoy. Warning be sure your goals are what you want the achieve else you will be lost.

My advice is to cut back on work, take out a loan, and concentrate on your education. $2K is nothing in the long run. It's a month's rent. It doesn't quite cover a month of childcare. It is about 1/3 of an Attolini suit. It seems like lot now, but don't mortgage your future over that. Not having to explain a low GPA is worth much more than that. Also, don't sweat the extra time spent in college. I can barely remember what I've done in the past 6 months. An extra semester or two, again, seems like a lot now, but will seen inconsequential later.

Also, ignore all of the advice about marriage. I didn't get married until I was 31, but if you are ready, and she is the girl for you, you may as well go for it. You are going to have to make it up to her for the honeymoon though. Women are like that.

I grew up in a family of programmers. Both of my parents were CS majors. My uncles were all CS majors. Their children are also all CS majors. Its common consensus in the family that employers don't give two shits about GPA in college. Just do what you have to do to get started in the real world so you can demonstrate that you're worth something to future employers. What you've worked on matters a lot more than grades. I say just graduate with mediocre grades.