Retook a class I got a C on - bad or good?

Applying to College
1

<p>My sophomore year I got my first ever C one term in a non-AP course - Algebra 2. I got a C one term in Chemistry Honors my sophomore year as well (I had a really bad year due to various problems...), but I figured it wasn't too bad because it was an honors course so technically it was a B. Plus, I kinda redeemed myself in that course and ended with a B for the second term. </p>

<p>Anyway, for Algebra 2 I got a B the first term, C the second. I had a new teacher who taught poorly. Many students in my class failed and had to retake Algebra 2. I didn't fail, as I got a C, but I freaked out and thought it would look really bad on college apps. I decided to willingly retake it my second semester of sophomore year, replacing my elective Piano. I did extremely well the second time and ended both terms with an A+. </p>

<p>Will colleges look at my retake of Algebra 2 as a good thing or bad thing? I know I didn't fail the class the first time so it really wasn't necessary for me to retake, but I wasn't willing to get away with the bare minimum. I wanted to retake it so I can fully understand and master the material. Also, will colleges include both grades into my GPA? In my transcript, the grade still shows up but it notes next to it that I repeated the course. It's also not factored into my GPA on my transcript, only the grades from the second semester Algebra 2 class are.</p>

<p>Oh, btw I'm an incoming senior. I've just been wondering about this for the longest time. I've never heard of anyone else retaking a class they got a C on, so that's why I'm a little conflicted.</p>

2

<p>It all comes under “it depends”. Different colleges will evaluate it differently. Just apply to a broad range of schools.</p>

3

<p>@Erin’s Dad, I’m applying mostly to UC’s, few CA state schools, few OOS states, some privates. But I mean generally do you think retaking a class I got a C in was a good decision? The grades from the first time I took it are omitted from my high school GPA so that’s good, I just don’t know how colleges will feel about me retaking a class I didn’t necessarily fail in. Oh and the class I replaced it with was Piano which is just an elective. Not like I was getting rid of a core class, or an AP for that matter, to retake Algebra 2. Is there anywhere on college apps where I can explain this, or is it not that big of a deal? I know each college can feel different about this, but generally speaking…</p>

4

<p>buuuuuuuump</p>