<p>I just finished my junior year with a 2.4 gpa having gone down from a 3.0 the first semester. I have a chance to take one or 2 courses over, those I got D's in, though both grades will be reported. I've taken all honors and 2 AP's, got 580 CR and 660M and 26ACT scores. I have LD's and this year at home, my sister went through a severe depression and it was hell at home. My question is, would it be worth it to retake the classes to possibly bring my gpa up? There is one particular school I really want to go to and want to increase my chances of getting in.</p>
<p>Colleges will recalculate your GPA and if your school reports both grades, there is no real point retaking those classes for better grades only (but if you like to retake the classes for a better understanding (e.g. math) or simply because you would enjoy them, go ahead). Better take new challenging classes and demonstrate an upwards trend, take electives you enjoy or just set some time aside for your college applications - you will need a lot of it during senior year!</p>
<p>IMHO, you should just give yourself a break. For all students, particularly those who have a learning disability, to stay engaged in school is a challenge. Retaking classes is not something you should do unless you found the material so compelling that you want to go over it again. I think that you should do school for YOU, and not for colleges. There will be a spot for you at a university, and from there if you work hard you will have a fine future. Spend the time you would have spent retaking classes doing something for which you truly have a passion. You will achieve the most when you follow this path.</p>
<p>It is always a good idea to retake classes in which you have recieved a D or an F. Both the new and old grades will be usually factored into your GPA so it will likely improve your GPA and it will also show colleges that you corrected your mistakes.</p>
<p>If you really have had trouble at home, etc., you should explain this on your college application somewhere- possibly with a one-page letter attached or maybe in your personal essay. These can work wonders in explaining sudden grade dips and would be a better option than leaving the admissions officers wondering about your GPA trend.</p>