Being an international student, I did not fully know the academic rules of the American universities. So, during my first semester in college, I did not like one of the courses becuase of the instructor (1 credit), so I stopped attending, thinking that it would be dropped automatically (foolish I know). I was shocked to see an F on my transcript. I tried all ways possible to remove it, but no luck.
Nevertheless, I managed to pull off a 3.5 GPA now. I am thinking of transferring to BU or U of R. Will that F affect my chances in getting accepted?
I must also mention that I am a Sophomore, and I also retook the course and managed to get an A
Explain the circumstances of the F in your application. Better yet, ask your college adviser (or whoever is writing your recommendation) to write an explanatory note about it.
I can’t speak for all schools, and I have no idea where you’re applying (in other words, Stanford might mind), but in general, if you retook the course, they usually give you a pass. But I’m shooting in the dark because as above posters said, we don’t know your specifics.
@GMTplus7 Thanks for your reply. I will explain the circumstances in the CommonApp Additional Information box. However, I am not really sure what do you mean regarding “let the recommender explain the F” They are 2 different professors. Also, I will look into having my college advisor explaining the reasons behind the F I got in the first semester.
You still haven’t told me though, do you think the F will adversely affect my chances of getting in?
I’m not sure if asking a professor to write why you got an F is a good idea. That’s a big risk. Usually your explanation will suffice, esp if you have documentation, such as medical, financial downturn, etc. Perhaps a college advisor could add a letter, but the odds are it’s a personal circumstance that only you know the details of, and your other grades should vouch for your studiousness.
What’s your major and which colleges are you applying to?
You seem to have posted this thread twice. OK, I saw the other one. You’re international, didn’t know the rules. You seem to imply it’s one unit only?
Regardless, you retook for an A. You don’t need a letter from your advisor. Simply state, as you did in other thread, that you dropped it, but not knowing US rules, didn’t realize you had to formally withdraw. This actually might be a situation in which a note from the prof could help if he could verify you stopped attending after a certain date.
Personally, I think this will not affect you at all, but again each university is different so none of us can say for sure. It DEFINITELY will not affect you if you apply to a UC. The UCs overlook Fs that are retaken. Regarding UCs, you don’t have to do anything except note the reason in the comments. However, since you are using common app, you must be applying elsewhere.
Thank you SO much for your great and informative feedback. I am thinking of applying to Boston University or University of Rochester as a bioengineering major. Still, do you think that either Boston University or University of Rochester is going to care or pay close attention to that single F (1 credit), which I retook and received an A for?
P.S: Thanks for adding the word “suffice” to my dictionary
