How much do GE classes matter?

I am a Freshman Mechanical engineering student. I have a 3.43 overall GPA and a 3.93 Major GPA. I ended up with a C in two of my GE class (Biology and history of graphic design), Should I retake the classes and get my GPA up or will it not affect me as much since they are GE classes.

I’d say just move on, with lessons learned.

I agree with @colorado_mom. Your overall GPA does matter, but you’ve got time to recover.

Neither of those classes will affect your ability to understand and do mechanical engineering. Just move on. But do get help, in the future, for those GE classes. A study group I might be the key there.

I got three Cs in college. Economics, circuits, and Greek mythology. I turned out okay. Don’t waste time retaking those classes. Just don’t make it a habit, especially in technical courses

Move on. If it helps convince you, do some sensitivity calculations on the impact of those two classes on your GPA once you have 125 credits or so for graduation.

GE classes are not so important that you need to make a big deal out of it if you were getting B’s, or taking them P/F. However, like others have mentioned, your overall GPA is important, so you don’t want to just assume that you can avoid putting in the work for your GE classes. In general, you want to avoid C’s as much as possible, and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA.

Some institutions have a policy that if you got a C or higher for your first attempt, any subsequent attempt will not affect your GPA, and you may also need permission from an advisor or administrator to reenroll in the course. It will not be worth your time to repeat those classes, even if they may be prerequisites for any classes you may want to take in the future.