Hey guys! I’m applying to haas and this history of art R1B class is not boding well for me. I’m predicted to go anywhere from a B- to an A depending on how she decides to rate my participation and how I do on my final paper, but more likely a B or B+. Would it be worth it to P/NP this course and retake an easier one such as slavic or german R5B next semester instead for a higher grade? Or would that just look bad as I’m retaking an R&C B course twice? Thanks!
Presumably, they look at your record somewhat holistically. Repeating a course indicates that you either failed the first time or are grade grubbing, neither of which looks good. There is also no assurance that you will find a different R&C B course easier or that you will get a higher grade.
@ucbalumnus Alright that makes sense, thanks! I’ll just try to tough it out and do as well as I can the rest of the course and in my other courses. Is R&C B considered a haas pre-req that they look more closely at? Or like a beadth?
It’s too early to hit the P/NP button when the final paper is the true make-or-break of your final grade.
Definitely participate in rest of the classes, and get a head start on the final paper. Whenever you reach a good stopping point as you’re writing your paper, share your progress during office hours.
It might feel awkward b/c it’s like both you and the instructor are working on the paper, but this is fair game - ask if the content is good so far, if the flow is good so far, and share your idea on ‘next steps’ and if the instructor is aligned with you - your paper can’t go wrong when you let the instructor view and comment on your progress.