Subject: Facing a Tough Choice: Fail a Class or Delay Graduation?
Hi everyone,
I’m in a bit of a tough situation right now. I didn’t do well on my midterm, which accounted for 30% of my grade (<50), and I’m scheduled to graduate at the end of this term.
Realistically, I believe I might finish the class with a C at best, and that’s being optimistic. The professor is known for their strict grading, and there’s no grading curve, so I can’t count on any leniency there.
I’m feeling quite stressed about it. If I decide to drop this class, I would have to postpone my graduation until next fall, but it would help protect my GPA. Even putting in a lot of effort from now until finals, I’d be extremely fortunate to pull off a B.
I don’t have any plans for next year post-graduation; I was hoping to take a break and maybe find a job.
Just as a side note, I’m from Canada, which might affect my options.
Any advice would be appreciated! Thank you!
It sounds like you’re in a tough situation, and it’s understandable to feel stressed about your options. Here are a few points to consider that might help you make your decision:
Evaluate Your Current Standing: If you genuinely believe you can only achieve a C in the class, you might want to calculate how that would impact your GPA and overall academic standing. Sometimes, a poor grade in one class can have a larger impact than anticipated.
Talk to Your Professor: If you haven’t already, consider speaking with your professor about your performance and see if there are any opportunities for extra credit or ways to improve your standing. They might provide insights or advice that could help.
Consider Your Goals: Think about what’s more important to you right now—graduating on time or protecting your GPA. If you have no immediate plans after graduation, taking the extra term to ensure you have a solid academic record could be worth it in the long run.
Future Implications: If you plan on applying for jobs or further studies later, consider how a lower grade might impact those opportunities. Employers and graduate programs often look at GPA as a factor in their decisions.
Mental Health: Don’t underestimate the impact of stress on your well-being. If staying in the class is causing significant anxiety or affecting your health, it may be worth considering the drop to prioritize your mental state.
Seek Advice: Talk to academic advisors, mentors, or peers who have been in similar situations. Getting different perspectives can help you see things more clearly.
Ultimately, it’s your decision, and weighing these points carefully might help you feel more confident in whichever path you choose. Good luck!