<p>Hi,
I am currently taking a class that is related to but not required for my major. After scoring atrociously on the first midterm, I believe I am in danger of failing the course. Other than this, my GPA is great (3.8+). I have since changed the grading to a pass/fail basis, so whether I pass or fail, it will not affect my campus GPA.
I do know that law school admissions consider a "No Pass" grade as an F, and was wondering whether graduate schools did the same or would look very unfavorably upon such a grade. In case I fail the class, is it worth the effort to retake it next year in hopes of passing it then? Either way, the initial "No Pass" would still appear on my transcript. It's a very time-consuming class and not required for my major.</p>
<p>Do what you can to pass. You still have half a semester. Meet with the professor during office hours to discuss questions you may have. Go to tutorials, if they are available.</p>
<p>Thanks, I am planning to study quite a bit harder; I already attend all the office hours, but I’d appreciate it if anyone knew the answer to my question.</p>
<p>That’s because no one knows the answer. Yes, it will be a blot on your record; however, each program will look at it differently, and that’s a variable no one can address. Some will only care about the 3.8 (which will obviously be lower if you fail), while others will care about all courses related to the major. Based on your GPA, my guess is that it will appear as a fluke. Still, I don’t know.</p>
<p>My point was that you don’t have to worry about it if you can raise your grade to a D to get the pass.</p>