Retaking classes is a common academic practice when a student struggles to grasp the concepts or gets a poor grade. However, many students wonder whether retaking classes negatively affects their grades or transcripts.
Similarly, it is vital to understand the implications of retaking classes and how they can impact a student’s academic record. We aim to explore the impact of retaking classes on grades and transcripts.
Does retaking classes look bad?
Many students fear retaking a class because of the reputation that it will show if the transcripts show that they took the class twice. This is why most students ask if it looks bad to retake a course.
Retaking classes does not look bad if one is repeating with a genuine intention of passing and completing the course. It is Ok to retake a class because it shows your desire to learn and make things right if it did not go well on your first attempt. However, if the college indicates that the class is retaken, it may look bad on your transcripts. But this does not matter if you pass well.
In my view, it does not matter whether you have retaken a class or you completed it on the first try. What matters is the grade that you score at the end.
In fact, what matters is whether you gained the knowledge that was intended for that class or not. You can pass with a very good score but never learned anything.
Effect On transcripts
Retaking classes could look better on transcripts. However, it depends on the college’s policies about transcript notation for retaken courses.
Some colleges may include both grades on the transcript, while others may only include the new grade.
Additionally, some colleges may use specific notation, such as an asterisk. The notation indicates that you retook the course.
It can provide context for the new grade and suggest that the student tried to improve their academic performance. Therefore it is advised that you try and avoid retaking a class and doing worse on it.
Whether retaking a course looks bad on a transcript depends on how the college handles transcript notation and how the student performs.
Impact on your Grades
Retaking classes may impact your grades. However, it depends on your academic performance during the retake.
When you retake a class, the new grade will replace the old one on your transcript. However, some schools may still factor the old grade into your overall GPA calculation.
Retaking a class can be a wise decision if you did poorly the first time. It can indicate your commitment to improving your academic performance to admissions committees or employers.
However, it is vital to avoid retaking classes unnecessarily. Doing so could indicate a lack of focus or poor time management skills. You can also exhaust the number of times you can retake a class as there is a limit.
Overall, retaking classes can have both positive and negative effects on your grades and academic record. It is essential to consider your reasons for retaking a class and ensure you stay prepared to put in the necessary effort to succeed.
Impact on the total GPA
Retaking classes can affect your total GPA. However, how it affects your overall record depends on your school’s policies.
In most cases, when you retake a class, the new grade will replace the old one in your GPA calculation.
Some institutions may factor the old and new grades into your GPA calculation, which could lower your overall GPA.
It is critical to remember that retaking a class can indicate a commitment to improving your academic performance. In some cases, it may be necessary to meet specific program requirements.
While it can affect your GPA, retaking a class is not necessarily bad. That is true, primarily if it assists you in improving your knowledge and skills in a particular subject area.
How colleges treat a retaken course
Colleges have varying policies and approaches when it comes to retaking courses. Retaking a course can affect a student’s GPA and transcript. Also, it can provide an opportunity to improve academic performance.
Some colleges replace the original grade with the new one, while others average the two or include both grades in the calculation. Similarly, when a student retakes a course, it may appear on their transcript in various ways, depending on the college’s policies.
When considering whether to retake a course, weighing the benefits and drawbacks and considering individual circumstances is essential. Also, consider whether your reasons to retake a class are valid.
Here are some points to consider when looking at how colleges treat retaken courses:
1. GPA Impact
Retaking a course can affect a student’s GPA in various ways, depending on the college’s policies.
Some colleges replace the original grade with the new one, while others average the two or include both grades in the calculation.
For example, if a student initially received a C in a course and retakes it to earn an A, their GPA may improve significantly.
Suppose the college replaces the C with the A. However, if the college averages the two grades, the GPA may not improve much.
2. Transcript Notation
When a student retakes a course, it may appear on their transcript in various ways, depending on the college’s policies.
Some colleges may include both grades on the transcript, while others may only include the new grade.
Some colleges may use specific notation, such as an asterisk, to indicate that they retook a course.
Benefits of Retaking a Course
Retaking a course can benefit students who need to improve their academic performance or meet program requirements.
By retaking a class, students can better understand the material and improve their chances of succeeding in future courses.
Additionally, some colleges may require students to retake specific courses to meet program requirements.
For more on that, you can watch this video.
