REU applications with INC grade?

[RadiumBlue]

I'm a sophomore physics major and I've been filling out some REU applications, but I have an INC (incomplete) grade from last semester because I couldn't take a final due to medical reasons. The class was completely fine and I likely have an A-/B+, but I have to wait to take next semester's final rather than having an entirely new final drawn up for me.

My school is a bit harsh on this and counts INC grades as "failing" the class and calculates the GPA as if you had gotten an F on your official transcript until the grade is received. This class is an optional math course, not a core physics course, but the "failing" grade drops my GPA from around a 3.4 to a hair above 3.0.

What would be the best course of action for entering in my GPA and sending transcripts? I don't want to seem dishonest or like I'm making excuses, but I also don't want to get thrown out by filters or otherwise disadvantaged because of something uncontrollable.

 

[Dr. Courtney]

Tough call. It depends on the fine print of the applications, I guess.

On a resume, I'd list something like

GPA 3.x/4.0 (completed courses)

and leave out the incomplete course.

It's a bit tougher to interpret the meaning when all you have is a box in an online form.