Retaking a class with a C and its impact on UC gpa (CCC)

I was given the all clear by my community college to retake a couple classes I’ve received a C in during the Spring of 2020 due to the pandemic (among other extenuating circumstances). However, I’m not sure if retaking these classes will actually replace my old grades when it comes to calculating my transferable GPA since you normally can’t retake classes that you’ve passed. They’d also be out of sequence as I’ve taken a couple of classes that have them as pre-requisites already. I’ve tried looking up my answer but the search results have been inconsistent.

Don’t retake. Focus on other important things. A C won’t be the reason you don’t get into UC

In my case, being able to retake these classes IF they replace my old grade when it comes to GPA calculation can make or break my ability to apply to some UCs. I’m willing to retake them if so.

See UC repeat grade policy. University of California Counselors

Repeated courses

A student is allowed to repeat each course in which a C-, D+, D, F or NP grade was originally earned, as many times as necessary, until the first time he or she earns a letter grade of C or better. The following rules apply:

  • The replacement (repeat) course must have curriculum similar to the original course (the same content but not necessarily the same title).
  • The new grade earned will replace the deficient grade in the GPA calculation. UC does not average the grades.
  • All coursework (original and repeats) must be reported on the admission application.
  • A non-honors course can be used as a repeat of an honors-level course.
  • An honors-level course may be used as a repeat of a non-honors course.
  • Repeat of C (2.0) grades is not allowed.
  • Repeat of courses out of sequence is not allowed.
  • Students may not repeat a lower-level course if a grade of D- or higher has already been earned in a higher-level course.
  • UC courses must be repeated at UC, but not necessarily at the original campus.

UC will not grant credit for college courses in which the content duplicates material of a previously completed course or examination for which credit has already been granted, with the exception of the repeat of deficient (D/F) course grades.

I see. So the following passage from Section 55044 of Title 5 is irrelevant for UCs?

“(b) When course repetition of a portion of a course is permitted under the circumstances described in subdivision (a), the district policy may allow the previous grade and credit to be disregarded in computing the student’s GPA.”

And what about transfer agreements to certain UCs that require a B or higher in all transferable courses? Would I meet the requirement if I retook the class even if it didn’t change my GPA? I think alternatives exist (ex. a java class in place of the C++ class) but I’m not sure how that would work.

I would check with the UC’s directly to confirm. It may vary from campus to campus so it is best to know what your options are before proceeding.

You are quoting policies that apply to community colleges. UCs have their own procedures.

As @Gumbymom suggests, contact the UCs you are interested in to see if there is a way to improve your gpa they will allow.