Hey we all want the the kids to have a 3.8 @ Harvard does it happen, maybe, maybe not, but going to the top institutions affords you access to the inner circle if you will of the people who run, manage and own the companies you are looking to get a job at. It is about the networking. Graduate with a 2.5 from Harvard but network with the right people...I say you get a job a heck of a lot quicker than if you got a 3.5 at school ranked lower...it is who you know, not always what you know....
Unfortunately, the last several posts are clearly authored by parents who have not been through the collegiate summer internship competition rounds at Top 30 Universities. Understand that your student (not just student-athletes) must complete their resumes and in most cases, presubmit their CV and cover letter to a recruiting firm on campus. That student first clears the internal competition to earn the right to an interview - and then competes on campus to potentially land a summer internship.
Why do we emphasize internships? In today's business environment, internships that are productive result in offers upon graduation. Even if one chooses not to return to the internship firm, the experience on your resume is critical.
Now, back to the reason for our post. A 2.5 GPA at any university will not get a student to the interview table for internships and possible positions during recruiting days on campus. There are just too many other qualified candidates with better numbers and overall three year (junior year recruiting) performances that will earn that interview slot.
Alumni networks are incredibly important and should serve as one of the major reasons to attend a Top 30 program from Boston to Washington and beyond. However, expecting special consideration for a 2.5 GPA strictly based on networking is a poor entry level strategy.
