Do Grades Matter In Graduate School? NOT Convinced? Watch This.

Summary

In this video, Professor Dave Massa explains why grades don't matter as much in graduate school, especially for those pursuing a PhD. While grades provide feedback, the key focus should be on building skills, developing original ideas, and getting research published. He emphasizes that the ultimate goal in graduate school is producing interesting, impactful work, not merely excelling in coursework. Although grades can reflect effort and mastery, it's more important to challenge yourself and aim for growth, as the real value lies in your research and contributions, not the grades.

Takeaways

• 📈 Grades in graduate school don't matter as much as you might think, especially if you're in a terminal program like an MBA.
• 🧠 The goal of graduate school is to develop skills, particularly for research, not just to get good grades.
• 🎓 If you're pursuing a Ph.D. with the intention of entering academia, grades are less important than your research and publications.
• 📚 For those aiming to transition from a master's to a Ph.D. program, grades may still hold some weight.
• 📝 In research-focused graduate programs, it's more important to publish original ideas and papers than to have high grades.
• 👩‍🔬 Grades can provide feedback on your understanding but don't reflect your long-term potential in research or industry.
• 🔍 Taking challenging courses outside your comfort zone can help you grow, even if it means you might not get the best grades.
• 💡 Creativity and original ideas are more valuable in research than a perfect GPA, similar to Steve Jobs' experience with calligraphy.
• ⚖️ Graduate programs are meant to stretch your capabilities, which is more beneficial than focusing solely on grades.
• 🤝 Employers or peers rarely ask about grades after graduate school; they care more about your achievements, research, and skills.

Q & A

Why do grades not matter in graduate school according to the speaker?

Grades don't matter because graduate school is more about building a skill set, developing original ideas, and publishing research rather than focusing on grades. In the long run, the quality of research and publications is more important than the grades you received.

Do grades matter if you're pursuing a terminal degree, such as an MBA?

If you're pursuing a terminal degree, like an MBA, and plan to go into industry, grades do not matter as much as simply obtaining the degree. Employers will focus on your skills and the degree itself rather than your specific grades.

When do grades matter more in graduate school?

Grades matter more if you are pursuing further education, such as going from a master's program to a PhD, or if you're aiming for academia and research roles. They serve as a predictor of your understanding and performance, but still aren't as crucial as producing strong research.

What is considered the key outcome of graduate school?

The key outcome of graduate school is producing original research and getting papers published, as this demonstrates your ability to contribute new knowledge and insights to your field.

How do grades serve as feedback in graduate school?

Grades provide feedback on how well you are performing in a particular course or assignment. They give you an idea of where you stand, but are not the ultimate measure of success in graduate school.

Why does the speaker emphasize taking challenging courses in graduate school?

The speaker emphasizes taking challenging courses because they stretch your abilities and broaden your knowledge. Even if you don’t perform well in these courses, they can lead to growth, new perspectives, and ultimately better research ideas.

What is more important than grades in a PhD program?

In a PhD program, having original research ideas and getting your work published are far more important than grades. Your contributions to your field are what will be valued, not your GPA.

How can struggling in a difficult course benefit a graduate student?

Struggling in a difficult course can push a graduate student to expand their thinking and approach problems in new ways. This intellectual stretching is more valuable in the long term than simply getting a good grade.

What does the speaker say about intelligence and grades?

The speaker acknowledges that intelligence may play a small role in getting high grades, but other factors, such as effort and going above and beyond what’s expected, are more significant in determining success.

Will employers or academia ask about your grades after graduate school?

No, employers or academic institutions are unlikely to ask about your grades once you have completed your graduate studies. They will be more interested in the research you have conducted, your publications, and your ability to contribute meaningfully to your field.