What happens to the other 75 percent? A case study of one university's findings on GPA statistics versus job opportunities

Interfacing with industries interested in our graduates is one of the enjoyable aspects of teaching. Typically, all the parties share a sincere desire to be as helpful to each other as possible, along with a shared concern for the future welfare of the graduating students. This attitude of mutual good will is especially apparent in recruitment representatives who are proud of their companies. Occasionally, however, a recruiter, new on the circuit, allows his pride in his company to reach such a high level that he drops a comment like, “We would like to talk to your best students.” Or even the somewhat more conservative, “We would like to interview your top 25 percent.” We suspect, though, that this thought occurs many more times than it is openly stated. This led to the question which became the basis of our study, “What happens to the other 75 percent?”