Is Having Good Grades All Worth It In The End?

Question

I am currently a college student who accumulated a 4.0 GPA throughout the years interested in becoming a nurse practitioner. I was really popular when I was in high school but I basically threw my social life away (as I didn't see it as important)and I stopped hanging out with people so I can achieve academically. I also volunteer at a local hospital and work as a construction worker. Many older experienced individuals, especially the doctors and my co-workers, have advised me to continue doing good in school and it will all be worth it in the end. Is this really true? or should I somehow live life to the fullest? I seriously want to be involved in the medical field and I know good grades will not guarantee employment but I am striving to make the accomplishment into reality. Many people have also stated it's either "play now, pay later" "work hard, play later"

Answer 1

of course!

Answer 2

I'm in med school and not nursing school, but you really do need to have some fun sometime. You'll eventually suffer from studying burnout and end up hating your career. Don't become one of those bitter chief of nurses staff who's a jerk with everyone because you never had nay fun when you were young.

Right now your life has relatively few responsabilities (no children, no mortgage, etc...), your parents probably are paying for your education and you still live with them. Everyone needs hobbies (I watch my anime and occasionally hang around the internet like right now; I also go to the movies pretty often). You don't have to be a party animal that gets drunk every night, but it's nice to relax and burn out steam every now and then. Believe me, the career is demanding and stressful, you need somewhere to vent out the steam.

I can't be the best guide in the grades department because quite frankly I don't have the best grades in the career, but most people with high grades in my faculty got them by cheating and not by really working like I do. In the end, what really matters once you graduate is what you know and your enthusiasm and not how you never learned anything because you cheated you way through.

Answer 3

do you know what they call the man who graduated last from medical school?   DOCTOR!!!!  There should be a good balance between work and play, yes your grades are important, but don't forget to live a little on the weekends too!

Answer 4

Grades are very important if you intend to continue on with your education after getting your undergrad. Getting into a good graduate program is not easy and can be very competitive. And honestly, most people don't remain friends with the people they knew in high school (sometimes college too). You'll make better, lifelong friends when you get a little older and settle into yourself. Have fun when your schedule allows, but school should come first because your education is something that you will have (and use) for the rest of your life, people come and go.

Answer 5

work hard, play later

Answer 6

I had 4.0 GPA/Honor Roll/Awards from Kindergarten through 5th grade...then, due to my own laziness, lack of foresight and tremendous family issues, I gave up on school and barely managed to graduate highschool. I could still turn out the grades(3.0 GPA in a college math class), but I severely hurt my future. I currently drive a truck, making $12.00 an hour. And the job is horrendous.

So...for what its worth....DO NOT GIVE UP ON YOUR GRADES OR STUDIES!!! NO MATTER WHAT!!!  

As far as a social life...yes, its nice and fun. And we DO need friends, for comfort and companionship.

But.....my true friends have remained my close friends all through the years as I've pursued various things. My point is this: They will still be there when you are done with school.  And you will have so much more to enjoy with them at that point.

Answer 7

well i dont think is a matter of getting completely into studies or completely throwing ur life away..

i think life is about balance..about knowing how to balance those two..

i mean i know studying medicine is hard from what i've heard..

but u dont have tobe an EXCELENT student cus u have said it urself that would not guarantee a good life.

anyways i really think u should try to continue the way u are but give it some slack and start hanging out with friends..

now ur not gonna do it when ur in finals or something..when u have the time n u really think u deserve it..

u just have to organize urself and u'll see u can balance both ur social life and ur academic life..

hope this helps..

bye bye