Horrible grade, what do I do?

Graduate School
1

<p>Hello all,</p>

<p>I just took my Physics final and pretty much bombed it. I took the class on bad advice from an academic counselor. I spoke to the teacher and may get a D+/C- depending on the class average, but most probably a D+. I'm trying to get into a biology graduate program (I am currently a junior). A little about me:</p>

<p>GPA after a D+ will be around a 3.63/3.6
Major GPA is a 3.65...Physics does not compute in my major (counts as an elective).
Currently in a research lab for insulin resistance, doing very well.
My biology classes are pretty much solid A's across the board.
Am planning on taking the GRE as well as the subject test. Have done wonderfully on practice tests so far.</p>

<p>So my question is...should I take the bad grade? My GPA is still solid, my major GPA is unaffected, and it's a 5 credit class with a lab. Taking it over next semester would seriously bite into my class time and affect my financial aid negatively. Will one awful grade ruin my chances of getting into a biology program in Animal Evolution and Behavior (which doesn't even need physics)? Thanks.</p>

2

<p>In a word: No.</p>

<p>One bad class will not prevent you getting into graduate school; especially if its outside your major. If the rest of your stats are good (which they look fine) you should be okay. </p>

<p>It certainly won’t help but I can’t imagine it being a deciding factor. Maybe, if its between you and another identical application who got an A in physics, it might hurt you but its unlikely. </p>

<p>I’m just another applicant but that’s what I have heard.</p>

3

<p>Hi.
In my opinion, you are fine, and you still seem like a great candidate for grad school. Also, it’s probably too soon to plan on retaking the class, because you can still raise your GPA without retaking any classes. However, if your GPA goes down by your senior year AND your GRE scores are low, I would recommend taking that Physics class again. But for now you shouldn’t worry about it, especially since it’s not related to your major.</p>