This isn't really an update of my life....just a few words on a certain topic I recently got some more information on.
I've been making new friends in the program and usually our conversations are about school and chemistry because it's something that we all have in common. I'm not sure how we started on the topic, but our GPAs (grade point averages) came up and I was informed that in some states (most of them being northern) have a some-what different scale than others. The similarity between the two is that they are both on a 4.0 scale. The main difference is that for the scale that I was on, there is no + or - added to your grades. An A is a 4.0, a B is a 3.0, a C is a 2.0, and so on. For the other scale, they allow teachers to add a + or - so where a B+ is 3.3 (or something like that).
Now...I'm sure you can start to figure out why I find this unfair. When applying to grad school (or any school for that matter), your GPA is very important. We are always told to keep a high GPA because it reflects how you preform in class. But if I would have went to a school on the other scale and received the exact same grades, I would have a higher GPA than I do now because I was one of those students that if I didn't make an A I was in the 87-89 region. So when being compared to students on the other scale, I do not seem as smart or as capable to do well in classes because they have the higher GPA when in all actuality, we are the same.
I know it seems silly but it really got under my skin. If our GPA is going to be something that is important enough to base our entrance into grad school on then I feel that we should all have equal opportunities. Food for thought.
Side note: I learned an interesting fact yesterday. From now on when something sticks out to me like this...I'm going to try to post it so y'all can enjoy it too :)
Lemon juice is commonly put on fish because it seems to mask some of that "fishy" smell (and because lemons are delicious!). Well, people do this because lemon juice is acidic and the smell from the fish comes from amines which are basic. The acid reacts with the base to produce an ammonium salt which doesn't give off an odor.
Chemistry is cool :)
Wow,great application of chemical reaction!!!
ReplyDeleteThis I know and have understand that grade point averages is not an indicator of future academic performances.True it is unfair when we find how other institution with their own standards differ from what you thought and understood applies to all. Nevertheless, ignore it and march on with best foot firmly planted. Pray that the LORD will help you grow in the knowledge that he is the source of wisdom and strength. Give thanks for his unspeakable blessings, every waking moment, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
You know UGA's GPA system did not have +/- until my sophomore year...it was quite the controversy. No worries though, I KNOW how smart you are. Additionally, I think I am going to become very smart from reading your blog. That makes me excited!! :)
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