I need a clearer picture of where I need to be

[yaganon]

I go to Iowa State University, which is a decent college for engineering, not great. My GPA is not good right now (3.3, about to be 3.6ish after finals next week). I will try to ace every single college class for my next 2.5-3 years in college. I will tackle heavy courseloads, and still work in a research lab, play ultimate frisbee, and join clubs if I have time.

Unfortunately, your GPA is Mandatory for basically everything from REUs, scholarships, to grad school. Judging by my GPA and the fact that I'm an international student, it's clear that I'm in no shape to apply for anything remotely competitive at this time. I'm tired of getting rejected. I want to really change my resume so that I can get the positions I want and the money I Need.

What can you tell me that will help me? Please be as specific as you like. Examples and stories would be great as well.

 

[story645]

Have you looked at GE and the like? Last I checked, their internships required a 3.0
http://www.ge.com/careers/students/internships/index.html
And you don't even need to be a citizen, just authorized to work in the states.

Judging by my GPA and the fact that I'm an international student

It's mostly the international student thing that's killing you, as there's a lot out there that only requires a 3.0 and citizenship. The only ones I've seen that require 3.5 or 3.6 are insanely competitive for a host of reasons, but they also tend to be the most prestigious of the lot (not the most common.)

 

[yaganon]

That's the thing. I want to go to a prestigious grad school. For that, I need legit experiences on my resume that no average joes can obtain.

 

[story645]

That's the thing. I want to go to a prestigious grad school. For that, I need legit experiences on my resume that no average joes can obtain.

Take what you can get and do brilliantly at it, as it's better than sitting around doing nothing 'cause you think you're too good for the positions you can actually get. Experience builds on itself and all that jazz, plus in the mean time you're making rent and building up your resume to apply to something shiny. Almost everybody I know who has gotten something shiny (be it a big competitive fellowship or admission to an ultra-shiny school) has done their time as a tutor/workshop leader/research lackey/etc.