<p>Apparently classes in a student's major must be taken as graded A-F, but does anyone have advice on taking the other classes S-N which does not figure into student's gpa?</p>
<p>I would really like to hear from existing students especially on this matter.</p>
<p>I am a current U of M student (Formerly CLA but just transferred into Carlson). I've taken a few classes S/N but the college typically advises you to use this option minimally.</p>
<p>Any classes in your major (or minor) have to be taken A/F; however I would say that as a general rule you also shouldn't take any prereqs S/N (typically this is a requirement anyway, but not always). </p>
<p>On a second note, some degree programs at the U (maybe all of them) require a minimum number of classes be taken A/F in order to graduate. So it might be a good idea to check on this and keep it in mind when deciding which grading method to use.</p>
<p>The S/N option has come in handy for me a few times when I've taken on really overwhelming course loads. It allows you to focus on priority classes, without having to worry about how the less important ones will affect your gpa. I have, for my own purposes, been very careful to take only general courses that are completely unrelated to my degree on an S/N basis. This was partly because I knew I would be trying to transfer into a competitive degree program; and partly because I have been told that graduate schools look down on too many S/N classes.</p>
<p>Another thing people don't often consider when thinking about this subject is that S/N classes can have an indirect effect on your gpa. This is because any credits taken on an S/N basis are not included in the students overall credit count when it is used to figure out their gpa. This is particularly harmful if you get a low grade in a class you take A/F. Because S/N credits are not included in the gpa calculation, the gpa is lowered more in the event of a bad grade, because there's not as many good grades to balance it out.</p>
<p>On a more personal note, I have taken a total of four classes S/N and I ended up getting A's in two of them. It's hard to stomach the fact that those good grades aren't reported on my transcript, and there's no way to go back and have it changed (it is U of M policy that the grading basis can't be changed after the add/drop registration period for the semester ends).</p>
<p>I hope this helps. Sorry if it's a little long winded, it's just something I've thought about alot!</p>
<p>Wow!
That is extremely helpful and many points that should be considered. Thank you VERY much~</p>