Ask HN: GPA on Resume (Failed Out Freshman Year and Returned)
When applying for jobs, I fear being judged for having initially failed out of school due to mental illness even though my grades--and entire life--have turned around since.
I started college in 2011, unfortunately, I developed fairly severe manic depression. Reluctant to return home, I pushed through three semesters anyway, and my GPA slowly tanked each semester: 2.8, 1.7, 0.5. Cumulatively, that's 1.5.
Years later, after working as a software engineer, I decided to finish my degree (same school), mostly to prove I could finish. And I just finished! My GPA this time around has been a 3.7--including several graduate level math courses. I also double majored.
My cumulative GPA, including the time I failed out, however, barely scrapes above a 3.0.
Now for the conundrum. I've heard from many people that not listing my GPA is a red flag, while a breath later saying the 3.0 would raise concerns.
- Do I just list the 3.0 and hide the fact that I failed out?
- Do I list the 3.7 and the 1.5 and give additional context?
- How much context should I give on the resume? The interview?
- Should I just not list the grade point average?
Any advice would be much appreciated!