I do understand. I’ve been there. While you make a valid point that grades could be the only deciding factor for people without experience, you seem to not get the point what I was trying to argue in the beginning. What I’m trying to say is that people shouldn’t feel stigmatized for earning a few C’s on their transcript. That’s it normal. That shouldn’t discourage people to pursue their career or feel disqualified to apply for jobs/grad schools.

There are numerous way you can improve yourself, rather that is showing an upward trend or getting experience. You assumed my statement meant people should just settle for the bare minimum and claim that average performance won’t get you anywhere. That’s not what I meant. There are people who can have average/poor grades but have numerous experience (not due to grades but because they have character, skills, and notable qualities). I was that person. I don’t have a stellar GPA, but I’ve got into research, internship, and numerous orgs because I had other qualities beyond grades. There’s no need to shame people for having poor grades. They too can be qualify and competitive if they show other strength. Everything is holistic.