Credit/No Credit Pro's and Con's ?

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The discussion centers on the challenges faced by a physics student taking a probability course, which is not required for their degree but is deemed valuable for future scientific endeavors. The student expresses a desire to achieve an A in the class despite initial difficulties with quizzes, weighing the option of choosing a Credit/No Credit grading system. While this option could alleviate stress, it raises concerns about the implications of receiving a "Credit" instead of a letter grade, especially regarding future PhD applications. Participants in the discussion suggest that aiming for a high grade is more beneficial than opting for the Credit/No Credit option, indicating that a single B is unlikely to negatively impact PhD prospects. The conversation highlights the importance of maintaining high academic standards while managing stress and expectations in graduate studies.
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I'm a physics student taking probability. It's not required for my degree but I know that probability and statistics are good things to understand for experimental scientists, engineers, and perhaps everyone. Anyway, I wanted to get an A because I'd really like to learn it well, but after a few stumbles on quizzes it looks like it's going to be an uphill battle. Definitely still possible, but definitely not as high of a probability as I had originally thought (haha).

What are the pro's and con's of taking a class like this with the Credit/No Credit option? It feels like a cop-out, but it would also remove a lot of stress. I think that I could still be dedicated in doing the HW and shooting for A grades. It would certainly be a disappointment to earn an A but only get a "Credit" score; on the other hand, I'd like to get a 4.0 (it's my first semester as an MS student, I've got plans to go for a PhD somewhere else) and a B would be a bummer.

Any thoughts? Do Cr/NCr grades look bad to PhD programs? Is this is a common thing to do?

Thanks everyone
 
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Stop playing strategy and go for the grade. Go get that A! I doubt one B will kill any PhD hopes.
 
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