Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Any help with ';erasing'; bad grades on the transcript?

Basically, I am an undergrad student at Rutgers University and have a 4.0 GPA. However, I was faced with some unavoidable circumstances this semester and let my GPA fall to a 3.2. Does anyone know of a way to ';hide'; a semester of grades or otherwise prevent one bad semester from affecting the overall GPA? Just so you know, I took four courses and received the following grades: B+,B,B, C+, and never had anything below an A prior to this semester.Any help with ';erasing'; bad grades on the transcript?
Well, it sucks that you had to lose your 4.0, especially if there were extenuating circumstances that prevented you from putting in as much effort as you normally would have. However, once you've taken courses, they are on your transcript forever. You can always retake a course, but I don't recommend doing it unless you're sure you can do better. Out of those, I would only consider retaking the C+, although only if it is in your major. For an elective or core requirement, C+ is passing and I wouldn't waste time redoing an already satisfied requirement. Usually, colleges require a C for all classes in your major in order for them to count, so you're covered there, but if you'll be applying to grad school in your field you may want to bump that grade up a bit. Maybe take it over the summer when you can devote all your time to one class to be sure you get an A. Also, you have to look at your college's policy regarding retaking courses, which can be found in the undergraduate catalogue/course bulletin to be sure of the procedure of retaking a course and replacing a grade in regard to transcript and GPA.

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