Retake AP Bio or move on

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - GENERAL
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I am currently advising a high school student who received a “D” in her first semester and “C” in her second semester of AP Biology. I believe that means her first semester of AP Biology is not validated and will not count toward her A-G requirements, while the 2nd semester that she received a “C” will count toward the A-G requirement.

Her counselor recommended that instead of retaking AP Biology to replace her 1st semester grade, she should take AP Physics instead. I do not believe she is ready for AP Physics, so I do not feel that would be in her best interest. But in terms of college admissions counselors, I am wondering if they prefer 1) a student replace a failed semester or 2) simply move on and demonstrate performance elsewhere, assuming that she will get the same grades for both?

I know this question is rather hypothetical, but any comments would be appreciated. I personally believe retaking the course to demonstrate commitment will look better but would like to hear others’ thoughts.

Thank you!

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Retaking the course will be in the student’s best interest especially if they are targeting the California UC’s and CSU’s and the course was taken in either 10-11th grades since the a-g course requirements are mentioned. UC’s and CSU’s only use 10-11th grades in their GPA calculation so 1 D could hurt their chances if the course/grade is not repeated and replaced. Another is if the student plans to major in a science related field, a good understanding of Biology will most likely be needed and doing well in the course a 2nd time will reinforce that information.

Edited: Sorry missed the “asking for a friend”.

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Closing thread. For privacy reasons, “asking for a friend” posts are not allowed. The student is welcome to open her own account to ask her own questions.