Need advice for retaking a class

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a student's experience with a Differential Equations class, where they received a D grade, and their considerations for retaking the class. The scope includes academic performance, implications for future coursework, and potential impacts on graduate school admissions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster expresses concern about their D grade in Differential Equations and its impact on their academic trajectory and graduate school applications.
  • Some participants suggest that acing subsequent classes that require Differential Equations might mitigate the impact of the D grade.
  • Others caution that without a solid foundation in Differential Equations, the poster may struggle in future classes, potentially leading to further academic issues.
  • One participant advises checking the school's policy on retaking classes, noting that both grades may appear on the transcript and affect GPA calculations differently depending on the institution.
  • Another participant shares their similar experience and recommends retaking the course to gain necessary computational skills, suggesting it could provide an opportunity to take additional classes.
  • The original poster contemplates dropping a class to make room for an introductory programming course, indicating uncertainty about the best course of action regarding retaking Differential Equations.
  • One participant suggests that if the poster retakes the class and earns a higher grade, it could positively reflect on their graduate school applications, but acknowledges the risk of performing poorly again.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of learning computational skills for future research and real-world applications.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on whether the original poster should retake the Differential Equations class or focus on succeeding in subsequent classes. There is no consensus on the best approach, and concerns about graduate school admissions scrutiny regarding the D grade remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention varying policies regarding retaking classes and GPA calculations, which may depend on the specific institution. The discussion reflects uncertainty about the implications of a D grade on graduate school admissions and the importance of computational skills.

LonelyBravura
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hello guys!

This semester I was ruthlessly gutted in my Differential Equations class and it has been stressing me severely. I shamefully made a D in the class...

I know this is my fault, but at the same time I feel as though the professor teaching it had much to do with it also. He was extremely intent on making the class into a "do all the questions on a computer" type of class. It involved much much coding and doing the work by hand would net me half credit. The assignments that required hand work only I received 90+% every time.

I have worked through the book and made sure I am able to perform the practice problems and some of the word problems correctly, but this grade in the class still looms heavily over me.

Basically, I want to retake the class, but due to my tight schedule this would potentially endanger me from graduating on time next year (I am currently a Junior going into the Spring semester). However, here is my schedule for next semester:


  • Analytical Mechanics
    Astrophysics
    language Class
    Abstract Algebra

The first two use Differential Equations in the class. Instead, do you guys think that acing those two classes requiring DE would "forgive" my D grade? Or should I find the time to take it over the Summer? Summer is also an issue because I am to do research for about 10 weeks at another school and I am uncertain if I can take a class on the side.

This is mainly with concern to graduate school admissions.
 
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And if you do poorly in those two classes because you didn't have a solid background, you'll really be up the creek, no?
 
Yes but so far I don't think I will have much of an issue right away. I've previewed the chapters and the mathematics do not feel foreign to me
 
Better check your school's policy on retaking classes, and also consider the policy of the graduate school. My school, if you retake a class, both grades will show on your transcript. So even if you pass with an A the second time, the transcript will show a D, and an A, and both will potentially count towards your GPA.

Calculating a GPA for a repeated class also varies by school. They may only count the first time towards your GPA and ignore the second grade entirely. They may also average the two. So a D + A averages to a C+?

If you have all A's except for this class, and you have a good understanding of the material such that you can move on to the next class without difficulty, might be best just to ignore it and move on with your life.
 
I'm in the same boat you were. Got a D in differential equations. At my school, a C- is passing - not a D. Frankly, I would retake the course. You need to learn how to use computers to solve problems. On the bright side, it gives you another semester to take a few more classes that you wouldn't ordinarily have had time to take ... maybe even grad school classes.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
And if you do poorly in those two classes because you didn't have a solid background, you'll really be up the creek, no?

Angry Citizen said:
I'm in the same boat you were. Got a D in differential equations. At my school, a C- is passing - not a D. Frankly, I would retake the course. You need to learn how to use computers to solve problems. On the bright side, it gives you another semester to take a few more classes that you wouldn't ordinarily have had time to take ... maybe even grad school classes.

Sound suggestions.

Even if you're not taking grad-level courses, spreading out your courses a little could help you out. Or, you could take some other courses you're interested in. :)
You could try learn some of the computational stuff over the summer, before you retake the course?
 
Thank you all for the replies!

I think next semester I'll drop my abstract algebra class for an intro computer programming class specifically catering to math and science majors. I'm not fully sure if Angry Citizen is saying to retake DE or not though.

I have another question though, assuming I find no possible way to make up this grade, how much would grad schools admissions scrutinize the D grade? What about Math classes in general?
 
I was suggesting you retake the course, yes:

Frankly, I would retake the course.

I've never been on a grad school's admissions board, but if you retake differential equations and get an A, and if that A shows up on your transcript, then they'll think you had a bad semester and bounced back beautifully. It's a risk though; if you retake the class and get a C, then I imagine they'll think, "This dude can't do ODE's. Mucho bad in physics."
 
stuff happens, it isn't the end of the world. i think an important lesson is learning how to do work using a computer to solve computational problems. in research, grad school, and the real world, being able to do this could prove to be a big deal, depending on what you end up doing.
 

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