Ask HN: Low marks vs. Side projects?

[meturtle]

I am a 2nd year CS student. I feel always tempted to work on side projects. Since we have a limited time in a day I end up getting low marks. So the question is:From your experience should I give up working on side projects to get higher marks?

[jacalata]

If you are deliberately choosing to sacrifice your classes for side projects, then your side projects better be great. Make sure you're not one of those people who kid themselves that they are too busy 'working on side projects' when really all their time is spent fucking around on reddit or some other mindless crap. You should set aside a minimum amount of time you plan to spend on schoolwork and spend that time actually working, and also think about how low your grades can go before you want to change your priorities.

[nostrademons]

I found that side projects are much more valuable than high marks, but make sure that your marks are good enough to graduate. College is a pass/fail line item on your resume once you're a couple years out, but if you fail it it's a pretty expensive one.

[jsegura]

Depending on how good are your side projects. They should show to possible employees all your knowledge.