Retaking a Class: Advice

Applying to College
1

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>I am currently in a student in my grade 11 junior year in Canada (have 3 more exams to go). I hope to attend a top university in the States. However, I realize that the competition that I face is massive and every detail is crucial.</p>

<p>This school year, I took Physics 12 because I finished the prerequisite Physics 11 in the summer (got a 96%). I got 81, 94, and 96% respectively in terms 1, 2, and 3 for Physics 12. Adding these up, I should receive a mark of 90.3% as my grade, without my provincial exam which is coming up that is worth 40%. If I get 100% on the provincial exam in 2 days (unlikely), it's possible for me to get a 94% as my final mark.</p>

<p>In term 1 this school year, I had some personal and family issues and wasn't really able to concentrate in class or on school in general. I think this lead to my lower mark in Physics. I know this may sound stupid, but is it worth retaking the course over the summer? I know I can do better and possibly achieve 98~%. According to my counsellor, if I receive a higher mark, the older one is overwritten. However, I'm not sure if its entirely worth my time and if I'm just being completely paranoid.</p>

<p>Ps. Our school does not use the 4.0 GPA system. It uses the 100% scale, which my final average hovers around a 94-95%.</p>

2

<p>Don’t retake the class. You have better things to do with your summer.</p>

<p>Your counselor should be aware of the personal and family issues that you faced in the first term, and can make a note of it in his letter of recommendation.</p>

3

<p>In the end, it depends on how bad your grade was. If it is a pretty substantial departure from the rest of your work, and if retaking it would fix the one blight on your transcripts, then retaking it is not a bad idea. </p>

<p>True, the counselor could note this in your letter of recommendation, but better than an explanation is not having to offer one.</p>

<p>At the end of the day, weighing this matter out will be a function of bad the grade is and the quality of schools to which you are applying.</p>