<p>I just failed a math course... I'm going to re-take it next year and probably do a lot better. The policy here is that the first 15 credits you re-take don't count on your GPA. The question is will Grad schools see that same GPA? Also how much does repeating a course hurt my chances of getting into grad school? Assuming I do well the second time around, my GPA will be around 3.4ish. Thanks.</p>
<p>There is no way to tell how it will affect your chances for grad school. GPA is only one (and not the most important) factor. If you are a freshman now, the effect will probably be almost zero, if you're finishing junior year and the course is an important part of your major (and proposed area of grad school study), it will be more significant.</p>
<p>Exactly what grad schools see will depend on your school's exact policy on repeating failed courses. Some places will actually replace the failing grade, others (as appears to be your case) ignore it for GPA purposes, but retain the original grade on the transcript. You'll want to read your undergraduate policy guide (almost certainly available online) or call an advisor to see how it will appear on your transcript (which, of course, is what adcoms will see). </p>
<p>And this is a good place to remind everyone to read that policy guide - if you're tanking a class you likely have more than one option open to you. Early in the semester, you may be able to change your grade type to P/F, the Withdraw date is often later than the grade date (and a W does not affect your GPA) and some schools also have a "with permission" W date that is even later. Finally, you may be able to negotiate an Incomplete with a sympathetic professor (although this is pretty unlikely). Bottom line - if you're struggling, don't just "man up" and take your lumps - the system is there to help - take advantage of it.</p>
<p>Good luck - and don't let it happen again!</p>
<p>Cool, thanks. Yeah I'm a soon-to-be sophomore so I guess it'll be okay then. Just one thing though, I've heard from a few graduating seniors that GPA is the most important factor for grad school. What would be more important in your opinion?</p>
<p>Read over the first page of posts in the "Grad school admissions 101" thread. There's an extensive discussion of admission factors there.</p>