<p>Well, the quarter grades are in and I got a B in multivariable calculus (A's in Diff Eq and Technical Writing, fwiw). I'm thinking about retaking multivariable calc, not only because I want a better grade, but because I also think I can get more out of the class. </p>
<p>I had hand surgery in the middle of the quarter and the inability to take my own notes in that class really affected my comprehension. Diff Eq was more natural for me, so it wasn't much of a factor there, but in multivariable calc not being able to sketch graphs and surfaces totally killed my understanding. I had solid A's on my exams before the surgery and two D's afterwards.</p>
<p>Obviously, I won't retake it if I can't fit in without throwing my academic plan off, but I would like to retake it if a spot opens in my schedule.</p>
<p>Is it weird to retake a class you got a B in?</p>
<p>Btw, I'm a math major and I've never gotten less than an A in any math class, so this is sort of a big deal.</p>
<p>Yes, it is very weird. Why would you spend more money to take a class that you got a good grade in? You only retake classes if you failed or got a bad grade in it (like C or below). There is no point in wasting your time and money.</p>
<p>Usually colleges have rules that you can only retake a class if you didn’t meet the required grade needed. B’s are usually acceptable. Might want to look into that.</p>
<p>Multivariable Calc is useful, but it’s also terribly formulaic. It’s not one of the subjects in math that I’ve found to be profoundly deep, and that you would get a lot out of for taking it again (though maybe I’m biased here).</p>
<p>If you know how to take a partial derivative and do triple integrals, it will be fine. Just not really a class that matters a whole lot in the grand scheme of things, especially since you are a math major and not an engineer or something.</p>
<p>Hi all (first post). I’m in a similar predicament, albeit a bit different. I took Calc II this past spring and received a B-. I’m seriously considering retaking it this fall because I think it’s an important class for my major (econ), and I feel as though I can get a lot more out of it than I did the first time I took it. I had some poor habits i.e. hardly ever going to class, not doing homework sets, etc and frankly, am fortunate to get the grade I did. I contacted an advisor about my situation, and he told me that the new grade will replace the old one on my gpa (not my main concern however), but that it’s not really a good idea to retake the class. What’s everyone’s take on this? I could really use some advice here.</p>
<p>i think its stupid to retake a class, especially you got a B. It’s not the best letter grade, but some people would kill to get a B in multiv calc.
I think it’s pretty interesting. It’s not one of those subjects in which you just solve given a problem. Well, it really depends on the person making the exam…</p>
<p>If it’s not going to cost you any more, and you weren’t going to take anything else instead of it, and you’re going to be able to get your B replaced with an A, then sure. If any one of those criteria aren’t going to be met, it’s a bad idea.</p>
<p>Btw, sorry Gravity for making it seem like I was trying to hijack your thread… not my intention at all. Just figured we had a similar question and I could find an answer as well w/o needing to make a separate thread.</p>
<p>Can’t you audit the course or attend lectures as a guest in the unfilled sections? That way you can attend the second half of the semester without worry about maintaining a high grade or relearning things you already know. </p>
<p>Plus, at my school, guest student attendance isn’t recorded in your transcript, so no one will ever know you took it twice. It’ll solely be for your benefit.</p>
<p>Is it the grade that bothers you or that you didn’t understand the material as well as you wanted to? If (a), then move on; if (b), why not audit it?</p>
<p>Both the grade and my lack of in-depth understanding of the material bother me. The professor’s way of introducing the material just didn’t click for me at all. Because of this, I resorted to learning pretty much everything out of the book. I didn’t really find any of the concepts difficult. I actually enjoyed learning methods of integration, etc., but I never made a committed effort to go beyond just reading the chapters out of the book, and then coming in just to take exams. </p>
<p>I think the auditing idea is a good one, but since the class was worth four credits, I think taking it the second time around with another professor and an improved work ethic would not only help my understanding, but also the gpa a good bit. </p>
<p>I actually signed up to take Calc III this summer, but don’t feel as though I can be successful in III or other higher level math classes w/o a proper foundation, which I don’t feel I have. I keep going back and forth because the class starts June 7th, so I need to decide by then. Another plus to retaking II is that the class fits into my schedule very nicely, so I wouldn’t have to adjust anything else. </p>
<p>Anyways, appreciate the advice justtotalk and stradmom.</p>
<p>I don’t think you should retake the class. I believe in working smart not working hard. Its a waste of time for you to retake a class that you didn’t get an A in. Just learn from your past mistakes and take what you learned into the next class so you can do much better next time.</p>
<p>Multivariable Calculus is going to do nothing to prepare you for upper level math. Yes, it’s good to know, but it’s just so far removed from at least, advanced undergraduate level, that, IMO, retaking it is bad. I mean, I don’t remember Green’s Theorem, and it just doesn’t matter.</p>
<p>As for economics, having a solid math background helps a lot, but same advice applies. I’d suggest, instead of taking calc II, taking some probability. Really useful stuff, IMO.</p>
<p>Thanks for the comments, folks. My desire to retake is based both on the grade and understanding.</p>
<p>I didn’t have any problems with partial derivatives or iterated integrals, it was sketching solids and interpreting graphs. Not being able to write for a few weeks made it difficult for me to grasp those concepts.</p>
<p>I would only take it if it there was an open section during a convenient time for me and I had space in my schedule. I wouldn’t overload my credits or anything crazy like that.</p>
<p>My school does allow you to retake a class you received a B in. The grade gets replaced, with the original noted on the transcript.</p>