Taking classes P/NP vs. Graded

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I am a student at UCSC currently. I am going to apply to transfer to other UCs this fall.</p>

<p>I am taking a class purely for interest, Intro to Biotechnology. I am an Econ major. It does not satisfy a GE that I need, nor does it meet a prerequisite. If I take the class P/NP, what will the UCs that I am applying to think? The class is quite difficult and I may not be able to end up with an A (93%+) if I take it for a grade. Most likely I would receive an A- or a B+ (3.7 or 3.3). Both would lower my GPA.</p>

<p>you’re going to take a class p/np because you’re afraid you’ll get an A-??? An A- looks a whole lot better than a P.</p>

<p>Well that is what I am wondering. The counselors here advise students to ‘take classes out of their comfort zone’ and they make sure to mention students can take their classes P/NP so they can enjoy the class without worrying about a grade.</p>

<p>However, I called UCD today and talked to a lady who said “We would rather see a grade than P/NP.” However, I am not sure she knew what I was asking. Also, there are rumors going around that a P=C to grad schools, which would be really lame. </p>

<p>Just looking for some first hand experience perhaps…</p>

<p>Edit: People say W’s go almost unnoticed… I don’t see why taking a class as P/NP is any different. Taking a class P/NP I assumed was common if taking courses outside of one’s major.</p>

<p>what if the class was only offered as P/NP…does that apply to this situation?</p>

<p>It is okay to take P/NP for a course that is not your prereq. Just do not take too many of them or it will affect your admissions.</p>

<p>But seriously, just take the A- rather than a P/NP. Most people who take the P/NP are usually people who struggle in the course and are in jeoperdy of failing.</p>

<p>well, i don’t think it matters. I’m taking a class on p/np (oceanography) for fun at ucsd. I really do not think it matters and I didn’t even list it as a planned course on the application. (well, I’m thinking about dropping it if I do horribly bad on the midterms) I think it only matters if u listed the course as a planned course, since administrators usually think about it as a graded course.</p>