Retaking lower level math for higher grade?

[Anonymous]

My kid is currently in calc BC but got a bad grade in precalc. Is there any reason why kid can’t retake the precalc this summer to replace the grade?

I know it seems silly but it’s really tanking his GPA.

[Anonymous]

I think it's possible but the counselor would need to approve it, and you'd have to pay the tuition.

[Anonymous]

Bad GPA grade or test grade? If test grade, yes you can retake a AP test with paying the full cost and counselor approval. I think there’s a button on college board to only send the retake score to college but I’m not sure.

[Anonymous]

Friend of DC retook math over summer for same reason and GPA was readjusted but transcript still included original grade. Thus, colleges were still able to see lower grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Friend of DC retook math over summer for same reason and GPA was readjusted but transcript still included original grade. Thus, colleges were still able to see lower grade.

DP. Where does it include original grade? Does transcript show date when class was taken? Let's say Larlo took precalc during school year 2024-2025 and retakes precalc summer 2026, where on the transcript will precalc show up? Having taken during 10th grade (school year 2024-2025) or during 12th grade (summer 2026)? If the latter, it could look like Larlo took Calc before precalc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Friend of DC retook math over summer for same reason and GPA was readjusted but transcript still included original grade. Thus, colleges were still able to see lower grade.

DP. Where does it include original grade? Does transcript show date when class was taken? Let's say Larlo took precalc during school year 2024-2025 and retakes precalc summer 2026, where on the transcript will precalc show up? Having taken during 10th grade (school year 2024-2025) or during 12th grade (summer 2026)? If the latter, it could look like Larlo took Calc before precalc.

Probably both places. You can't erase the bad grade. What does "bad grade" mean? It can't have been too bad if he was allowed to take BC calc. Retaking a class where you got a B is not a good look.

[Anonymous]

The reason not to do it is that it seems pathetic. Obviously they passed. Colleges will look more favorably on the “bad” grade with the good BC grade and appreciate the growth. A retake of the class AFTER BC will get all
Sorts of side eye and may even automatically send your kids application to the no pile.

[Anonymous]

I was told the higher grade is what counts and is what is on the transcript

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was told the higher grade is what counts and is what is on the transcript

This

[Anonymous]

Students retake:

They want to relearn material before going into a higher level class next school year, not necessarily because a "B" is bad

If it's math, relearn or refresh math content before taking/retaking SAT. It can help if reviewing Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2, and even Pre-calc.

Don't be too quick to assume why a student is retaking

[Anonymous]

My kid retook algebra in 8th because did not learn during covid. Only the 8th grade class shows up on transcript

I think you can have the old grade replaced but would look super weird in your kids case since the summer precalc would show up after calc BC. I wouldn't bother with it

[Anonymous]

That would be reported and show the time it was taken - after taking the higher level class. Pretty transparent that it is just for the GPA bump. Red flag for colleges. Stick with what you have which tells a story of excellent growth.

[Anonymous]

Retaking a lower level class after taking a higher level class, purely for a GPA bump is not a good look. GPA is viewed in college application but it is not the only factor. Growth matters.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Students retake:

They want to relearn material before going into a higher level class next school year, not necessarily because a "B" is bad

If it's math, relearn or refresh math content before taking/retaking SAT. It can help if reviewing Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2, and even Pre-calc.

Don't be too quick to assume why a student is retaking

The OP stated that the kid is already taking Calc BC currently. Also if wanting to learn material for SAT, you just prep for the SAT, you don’t retake a class for a new grade.

[Anonymous]

Not sure you expect to do well in Calc bc before learning enough to do well in precalc.