College - The Pass Fail Option
There is a very good chance that sometime during your student’s four years at college, he or she will consider taking a course pass/fail. What exactly does that mean? It means that instead of receiving an actual letter grade, he or she would receive a “P” for Pass or “F” for Fail.
You may ask, “Why do students opt to take a course pass/fail?”
The answers:
“A student is doing very poorly in a class and would rather receive a “P” than a “C” or “D”.
“A student’s workload is much too heavy. Taking a course pass/fail would lighten the load. Less work needs to be done in a pass/fail course.
“A student is interested in a course that is not in a field of strength and is afraid of a poor grade.
“A student dislikes a class and the less work he has to do the better.
Questions to ask before taking a course pass/fail:
What is the deadline to file?
The deadline comes and goes before you know it. Check your college’s academic calendar.
What are the procedures?
The college website will provide you with this information. Ask your Registrar for specific instructions.
Who may file?
In some universities the pass/fail option is open only to Juniors and Seniors, in others, it is open to all students.
How many courses can you take pass/fail?
Colleges do limit the number of courses. Ask your Registrar. Ask the Dean for your specialty.
What must you do to get a “P”?
In some colleges, you need a “D”, in others a “C minus”.
Does a pass/fail course affect your GPA?
Some colleges do not count the grade at all. Others will count the grade only if you fail.
Can a course taken pass/fail still fulfill requirements for your major?
Usually a grade of pass/fail cannot be used toward your major requirements.
Can a course taken pass/fail still fulfill university requirements?
A grade of pass/fail might be used toward general university requirements.
Can you still receive academic honors if you have a pass/fail course on your transcript?
This varies college to college.
Where can I get these questions answered?
Check your college’s website. Speak to the Registrar. Speak to those involved in your major. Whatever you do, just be very thorough..
Important:
Before filing to take a course pass/fail, step back and view the situation. Ask yourself:
Are you doing as poorly as you think?
Speak to the professor. Perhaps the situation is not as bad as you believe. Maybe others are doing as poorly as you and the test grades will be curved.
Is the workload as bad as it seems?
Perhaps you were just overwhelmed by the first few weeks of the term and can now handle the work.
Can changes be made to help the situation?
Maybe all that you need is a little more organization and some planning.
Maybe going to the TA (Teacher’s Assistant) will do the trick.
Is there still time to improve your grade?
Find out if there are enough tests and quizzes left in the term to make a difference. Are there any projects that are yet to be assigned?
Are you considering transferring to a different college?
If you are, keep in mind they usually do not accept courses with pass/fail grades.
Does it matter that you have a “pass” grade on your transcript?
Future employers would certainly rather see an “A” or “B” but a “pass” is certainly better than showing a “D”.
Taking a course pass/fail is a great option. Explore other solutions. Understand the ramifications. Ask questions!
And we would like to invite you to sign up for our College Tips Newsletter. Get answers to your questions on the college process and achieving success in college. Sign up for College Tips Newsletter by going to: http://www.collegecareercoach.com
Contact Shelley or Rhoda at: info@collegecareercoach.com
Notice: Please feel free to use this article in your Ezine or on your Website; however, ALL links must remain intact and active.
College Career Coach a division of Contemporary Careers, Inc. - http://www.contemporarycareers.com
Tags: career, College, college grades, college help, college life, grades, job, majors, pass fail, students