"Are your academic results a true reflection of your ability?"

Gael23 · 06-09-2014 05:13PM #1

Looking for some advice on how to answer this.
I do have some medical issues that I have had to deal with so thats something obvious to answer with but how can this be done whilst still being positive.
I want it to sound like that while I have faced some challenges and my academic results are not A1, they are quite an achievement for me personally given the things I've had to deal with.

Mr. Loverman · 06-09-2014 10:10PM

Were your project scores good?

If so, you could say something along the lines of how you are able to apply the stuff you learn to the real world a lot more successfully than in an exam situation.

I don't think I'm wording that well but basically stress exams are an artificial situation and don't reflect someone's abilities on the job.

Do you know what I mean?

RomanGod · 06-09-2014 11:04PM

Mr. Loverman wrote: »

Were your project scores good?

If so, you could say something along the lines of how you are able to apply the stuff you learn to the real world a lot more successfully than in an exam situation.

I don't think I'm wording that well but basically stress exams are an artificial situation and don't reflect someone's abilities on the job.

Do you know what I mean?

My interpretation of exams,

-can someone adhere to prescribed material and learn it
-can someone retain information and convey it into an answer that generates high marks
-can someone produce their best in a time constrained environment

Obviously you have group projects and other continuous assessments so by getting high marks it shows you are an all rounded individual

Where the academic approach fails is when graduates move into the workforce, just because you have high grades doesn't mean you will succeed at your job. You need to have people skills, be adaptable to changing environments and take initiative by thinking outside the box... all things that tests cannot measure

To sum up exams have their place because they allow corporations to assess new candidates (graduates) with the same metric (grades) but after that it's all about work experience

Gael23 · 07-09-2014 11:19AM

Mr. Loverman wrote: »

Were your project scores good?

If so, you could say something along the lines of how you are able to apply the stuff you learn to the real world a lot more successfully than in an exam situation.

I don't think I'm wording that well but basically stress exams are an artificial situation and don't reflect someone's abilities on the job.

Do you know what I mean?

Yes I understand and that does sound good. I would have done somewhat better in projects than written exams but not overwhelmingly.

Would saying that how I have faced some personal challenges and although my academics are not outstanding, for me personally its been quite an achievement or something along those lines?
Im conscious of not wanting to sound negative but at the same time making the company think that maybe this guy is worth considering if you get me.

Mr. Loverman · 07-09-2014 12:16PM

Are the medical issues finished or ongoing?

Gael23 · 07-09-2014 12:21PM

Mr. Loverman wrote: »

Are the medical issues finished or ongoing?

Things that i'll always need to deal with but the impact on my day to day life is quite minimal.

doc11 · 07-09-2014 12:54PM

ryanf1 wrote: »

Things that i'll always need to deal with but the impact on my day to day life is quite minimal.

If they are minimal how did they have such an impact on grades? You can explain at a interview what conditions caused your grades to be low but if it's minimal it sounds like your just making excuses up and if it a major condition don't be expecting an employer to hire you on some altruistic need.

Also stating that getting poor results was an personal achievement for you doesn't sound great, it implies that normally you'd do worse.

Gael23 · 07-09-2014 01:19PM

doc11 wrote: »

If they are minimal how did they have such an impact on grades? You can explain at a interview what conditions caused your grades to be low but if it's minimal it sounds like your just making excuses up and if it a major condition don't be expecting an employer to hire you on some altruistic need.

Also stating that getting poor results was an personal achievement for you doesn't sound great, it implies that normally you'd do worse.

Well minimal at this current point in time, it has been worse in the past. I suppose what I'm trying to get at is while my results might not be the best out there, for me it's a good achievement. As in these are what I've had to deal with and this is how I overcame it and got to where I am today.

Mr. Loverman · 07-09-2014 03:08PM

You need to be really careful. Many company won't risk hiring people with medical issues. For example, a previous boss of mine told me not to hire someone due to their eyesight issues.

I'd almost reckon using a different excuse would be better.

Gael23 · 07-09-2014 03:23PM

Mr. Loverman wrote: »

You need to be really careful. Many company won't risk hiring people with medical issues. For example, a previous boss of mine told me not to hire someone due to their eyesight issues.

I'd almost reckon using a different excuse would be better.

I am cautious of that happening and sometimes don't say anything for that reason. Whenever I do say anything I would never specify what exactly it is. Happens that it is an eyesight issue also although its not apparent to anyone else and because of its nature, nobody would know unless I say.

I achieved an endeavour award when I was in secondary school which was a little recognition for how the teaching staff felt I performed at school despite this and some other related issues so I would want to mention that at in an interview some way.

"Are your academic results a true reflection of your ability?"

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