When you retake a college class, your college applies either grade replacement, where the new grade replaces the old one in your GPA, or grade averaging, where both grades count. The original attempt usually still appears on the transcript. Most colleges limit how many courses or attempts qualify, and federal aid has its own repeat rules, so check the catalog and talk with an advisor before registering.
Grade replacement vs grade averaging
- Grade replacement (sometimes called grade forgiveness). The new grade is used in the GPA and the original is excluded, though it usually stays on the transcript with a note.
- Grade averaging. Both attempts count in the GPA. The retake still helps, but less.
- Highest grade. Some colleges count the higher of the two grades rather than the most recent. If the retake goes worse, that can matter.
- Credit counts once. In most cases, credits for the course count toward graduation only once.
Here is why it matters. Suppose a student has a D in a 3-credit course. Under replacement, a B on the retake counts as if the D never entered the GPA. Under averaging, both grades count, so the gain is smaller. For the full math, see how to raise your college GPA.
Common limits on retakes
Read your college’s repeat policy. Typical limits include:
- A cap on how many courses can be replaced over the degree.
- A cap on attempts per course, often two or three.
- Only grades below a certain level, such as C or lower, qualify.
- The retake must be at the same college. Courses taken elsewhere usually transfer as credit only and do not replace the grade. See transfer credits explained.
- A deadline or form to request replacement, rather than it happening automatically.
- Different rules after graduation or for courses in the major.
Some graduate and professional school applications count every attempt, regardless of the college’s policy. If medical school, law school or another graduate program is a goal, ask an advisor how a retake will be viewed, and see our pre-med roadmap or pre-law roadmap.
How retakes affect financial aid
- Failed courses. Federal aid can generally help pay for retaking a course you failed until you pass it.
- Passed courses. Federal aid can generally count one repeat of a course you already passed toward your enrollment. A second repeat of a passed course usually does not count, which can affect full-time status. The goal of improving a grade does not change this rule.
- SAP. Every attempt counts toward attempted credits, which can affect satisfactory academic progress pace and maximum timeframe.
- Scholarships and state aid may have their own rules. See losing a scholarship over GPA.
Ask the financial aid office how a planned retake fits your package before you register.
Making the retake count
- Diagnose the first attempt. Attendance, missing work, test performance or a weak foundation. See failed a class in college.
- Choose the timing. Retake when the rest of the load is lighter, not in your heaviest term. See how many credits to take.
- Go to office hours early. Introduce yourself in week one and mention that it is a retake.
- Use the supports. Tutoring, study groups and practice problems. See study habits in college.
- Track grades weekly. Do not wait for midterms to find out how it is going.
- Request the replacement if needed. At colleges that require a form, submit it on time and check your transcript after grades post to confirm the GPA changed.
Where a mentor helps
A mentor does not tutor the course. A mentor helps the student plan the retake around the rest of the schedule, keep a steady weekly rhythm of class, office hours and study sessions, and catch problems early. Learn more about mentoring for college students and see our college success guides.
Related
- Incomplete grades in college
- Academic probation: what it means
- Graduating college in five years
- Weighted vs unweighted GPA
- College GPA calculator
- Academic Dismissal Appeal: How to Write It and What Comes Next
Common questions
Does the old grade disappear from my transcript?
Usually not. Most colleges keep the original attempt visible, marked as repeated, and exclude it from the GPA only under grade replacement.
Can I retake a class I passed?
Often, if the college allows it, but federal aid generally covers only one repeat of a passed course, and some colleges only replace grades below a certain level.
Will a retake at a community college replace my grade?
Usually not. Transferred courses typically bring credit but not a grade into your GPA. Ask your college first.
Is it better to retake or take a new class?
If the course is required or a prerequisite, retaking is usually necessary. If not, an advisor can help you compare the GPA effect of each.
Get started
Want weekly support so the retake goes better than the first time? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.