<p>I am an undergraduate doing computer science. I took discrete math, which is a major requirement, over the summer and didn't pass so I had to retake it again this semester in the fall. Of course, as you all know, finals have just finished and I will be knowing my final grade in the class. This time, I did not do much better than before. In the summer I got a high D close to a C. And this time I might be right below the cut.</p>
<p>This is my second time attempting the course and the University policy is that you can attempt a course NO MORE than 2 times. Thus, if I did not pass discrete math this time, they will kick me out of my major since it is a major requirement.</p>
<p>When I find out my final grade in the course, if I get below a C, like maybe around 67% - 68% which is possible, should I go talk to my professor and ask him to allow me to pass the course with a C? (or C-)</p>
<p>I will give him my case and let him understand it.</p>
<p>I believe the professor should be merciful enough to let me pass, at least.</p>
<p>I doubt it, but I mean, you can ask. I don’t see how it would hurt. But I do think he would be much more likely to bump your grade if it’s like a 69.5% or something. 67-68% is still pretty far away from a 70%.</p>
<p>If you have a reasonable argument, then ask. It can’t hurt. Either the professor will agree with you and bump you up or he/she will say no, and you’d have to accept it and move on (which in this case means changing your major).</p>
<p>If you’re not close, then don’t ask. Many professors won’t bump up the grade under any circumstances and the select few who do only do so if the student is very, very close to the next grade. If you’re far off, the professor might get angry or irritated that you asked.</p>
<p>At my school discrete mathematics is one of the most basic computer science requirements. If you have already taken two times and have failed both times, how do you expect to handle more advanced computer science courses?
I doubt the professor will increase your grade, that’s what you earned and it would not be fair to other students.</p>
<p>Most teachers are hesitant to round up grades at all, even by .1%, so I really doubt that any professor would round up by 2 or 3%. That said, since you won’t be able to declare your major without passing the class, you really have nothing to lose by asking.</p>
<p>How will you handle harder courses, and the demands of the career path if you don’t really have the skills and knowledge to pass one of the required easier courses? Maybe you need to rethink your choice of major.</p>