calkid

I'm planning on withdrawing from a course I know I'll probably get a C in. I'd rather just withdraw b/c it's a course required for my major and I want to relearn the stuff.

unfortunately i found out i'd have to get a D or F to be able to retake the course.

Even if I get an A next semester, will this look that bad?

in the scope of things, can I still get into a good grad school with a bad first year? what can I do to improve my standings?

scorp

Wait if you get a W you can't retake the course? I'd double check that. In any case, what does the school do with your old grade? Do they just leave it?

For example to do you get
Semester 1: Calculus I - F
Semester 2: Calculus I - A
or do they replace the F with an "R" ? If they do then it doesn't matter what you get.

calkid

sorry I wasn't clear.

I can either pass the class with a C or fail it intentionally and retake it and get ideally an A. I can not withdraw the course this late in the semester. The previous grade of F does not get erased. The later grade (hopefully an A) is the only one that gets calculated into the GPA.

red sox 7327

Rule number 1: NEVER INTENTIONALLY FAIL A CLASS!

Grad schools will see the F. It Doesn't matter if it is calculated into the gpa or not.

scorp

I wouldn't take an F. That's my advice.

dr_reynolds

Why can't you retake it with a 'C' ?

calkid

i can't retake it with a passing grade of C or better, cal's college of engineering policy. i just talked to my advisor.

isn't it possible for me to explain that when i apply to grad school and it'll be okay?

GatorEng23

Just take the C and relearn the material later on your own.

live-

Yeah and get an A in the next class. Failing a class intentionally while assuming you'll be able to do better the next time around is stupid.

red sox 7327

The only way it would be okay is if you lied about it and wasn't caught, which is not advisable. You can't explain to a grad program that you were getting a C and decided to purposely fail the class so that you could retake it. They would probably think you're crazy.

Try to get a great grade on the final exam.

Also, make sure you understand the material before you start taking Calc II because it is a vicious circle if you don't.

scorp

Sorry, the Calc I bit was just my example. He never mentioned Calc I.

calkid

god damnit it seemed like a totally reasonable idea. I CAN"T RETAKE THE CLASS IF I DON"T FAIL IT and I want to be able to attend those lectures etc...I don't just want to relearn on my own. I made a lot of bad choices this semester in not attending class, but damn why can't getting an A which proves I know the material mask failing the class for the right intentions. AGGGGH.

rlm919

Because when the grad schools or future employers are looking over your transcript you won't be sitting next to them explaining everything. And even if you attach an explanation, it sounds like a lame excuse.
Can you attend the lectures anyway? Or are they small classes?

dallas808

Just take your C and move on... unless you want to share the specific course and why it is so important that you learn the material...

A passing grade or < B semester won't destroy your grad school chance unless this is beginning of a downward trend - your habit of missing classes.

calkid

I hoped that there was going to be someone who agreed with me. nevertheless, I've made my decision. I'm going to go against all intuition. I'd rather learn this stuff over and I know that the material is worth taking the class over. I'm going to not take the final, yes FAIL, and get an A next semester for sure. I seriously learned my lesson this first year of college.