Retake GPA Calculator
Should you retake that class? Calculate exactly how much your GPA will rise if you replace a low grade with a higher one.
Calculate Retake Impact
Enter your current stats and the course details to see your new potential GPA.
Understanding Grade Replacement vs. Averaging
Before you register to retake a class, you must check your college's specific policy. There are two main ways schools handle retakes:
1. Grade Replacement (Forgiveness)
The new grade replaces the old grade in your GPA calculation. The old grade remains on your transcript but counts as 0.00 towards your GPA. This offers the biggest GPA boost.
2. Grade Averaging
Both the old grade AND the new grade count towards your GPA. It's treated as if you took two different classes. This improves your GPA much less than replacement.
When Should You Retake a Class?
Retaking a class costs time and money. Here is a simple decision matrix to help you decide:
- You received an F: YES. An F destroys your GPA (0.0 points). Replacing it with even a C (2.0) is a massive improvement.
- You received a D: PROBABLY. Most major courses require a C or better to count towards your degree. If it's just an elective, a D might be "passing" enough to graduate, but it hurts your GPA.
- You received a C: MAYBE. Only retake if you are applying to a competitive grad school (Med/Law) or if your specific major requires a B (e.g., Nursing prerequisites). Otherwise, your time is better spent doing well in new classes.
- You received a B: NO. Retaking a B to get an A is almost never worth the tuition cost. The GPA impact is negligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
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