Big GPA

I have a big GPA problem...

I am a sophomore at a upper tier target (Harvard, Wharton, etc) and I have a bit of a dilemma. After taking 4 classes this semester, I got A's in 3 of them, and a C- in calculus (due to lack of interest in the course, didn't like the professor, personal issues with my mom passing away).

With this C-, my GPA is 3.5, and without it, my GPA is 3.9. I have the option of retaking it next semester, and the grade that I get will replace the C- when calculating my GPA, but the C- will remain on my transcript.

Do you guys think I should retake it? I REALLY dislike the class and it would be hell to retake it, and the C- would remain on my transcript. However, if I can manage a B ish or higher, my GPA wouldn't fall to 3.5. Or would you guys say leave the C- and boost it later with other courses?

This is a big deal to me and I'll gladly give silver bananas to any helpful / non-trolling comments. Thanks

11 Comments
 

What is covered in this calculus course? If you're at a school where they cover all of single variable calc, I know that can be tough. I'd say fuck it. But if you go to a school where calc 1 just covers limits, differentiation, and an intro to integration, suck it up that class really isn't very hard if you put in a tiny bit of effort. The 3.9 to 3.5 drop is pretty substantial.

Wait you just took it, it should be pretty easy the second time around. I say go for it regardless.

 

Talk to the registrar, ask if you can retake it over the summer at a local community college so you can get the GPA mark off your record, obviously the C- will stay, but it won't count toward your GPA calculation.

 

A C- means you already know about 70% of the material. Just learn the other 30% this time around. Personally, I find I learn a lot more learning something for the second time. You can just focus on the parts you don't understand instead of being overwhelmed by everything all at once.

You won't have another personal setback next semester, you (hopefully) won't have a dick for a professor, and you're already more than halfway there to an A. Get yourself a study buddy in the class - this way you won't fall behind as easily. A 3.9 gets you all the interviews you could want. A 3.5, not so much. Fairly easy decision if it were up to me.

Good luck!

 
Best Response

Is this your last math course?

On the one hand, the C- in Calc will not show up on your resume.

Here are some reasons you might want to retake it:

-A C- in Calculus is embarassing if it comes up. Absent other information, it indicates a fundamental weakness in quantitative skill. And an 800Q on the SATs just says "This guy's lazy when it comes to math." It probably won't come up, but if it does, it's embarassing. As a quant, I am still embarassed of the fact that I got a B- in Differential Equations. I am even more embarassed of the fact that I had to study my butt off just to keep it from being a C+.

-Getting As and Bs in the engineering/physics math sequence (Calculus of a single variable/multivariable/ diffyqs/ linear algebra/ pobability) gives you a lot of options for grad school. If you are thinking of studying finance, econ, financial engineering, or math in grad school, you need to retake that course.

-A general understanding of Calculus, as well as Probability, is a fundamental skill for virtually any white-collar professional. If it's differential equations, OK, you can say F--- it and walk away with a C-. But basic calculus is something you want to understand. If you don't understand it, it will definitely be an impairment to a career in S&T or research and probably hurt a career in banking, too.

 

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