We are a month into schooling which means for the most part we should have our schedules pretty much figured out. However, there are some options that we still may consider. For those of you who do not know, you are able to take classes for a pass or no pass option. This option is great for students who want to explore classes that are not within their major or minor.
In order to register for these types of classes, you can consult the professor for the class, but there are a few stipulations. If you decide to take a class for a pass or no pass credit, it will not be calculated within your GPA. Students may only select one of their classes for this option. Additionally, only students who have a junior or senior standing of 60 or more credits are able to do this. Students must also have a GPA of 2.75 or higher. If you are considering this grading option, there is more information on the Elizabethtown College’s website as well as forms on JayWeb.
Personally, I see advantages and disadvantages of taking classes pass or no pass. I have taken a class on this basis before and it was a great help to me. I was taking two classes that overlapped on times; one ended at 6 p.m. and the other started at 6 p.m. I opted to take my first class as a pass or no pass option. This allowed me to do both classes and enjoy them both to the fullest extent. Granted, this did not help my GPA, but the class was only for one credit anyway. The semester that I did this was a stressful one, and taking the class for this option really helped lower my stress levels.
I think that if you are considering taking a class like this, you should take time to weigh all of your options. If you want to take a class just for the fun of it and are afraid that it might affect your GPA in a negative way, then taking the pass no pass option is a good choice. Classes within the physical education curriculum are able to be taken through this system as well.
It is important to remember that classes taken for a pass no pass option are not graded through a letter grade scale of A, B, C, D, or F. Classes taken for pass or no pass and graded exactly as they sound: P for pass or N for no pass. However, other than the grading being different there is not really much else different in the class. Students are still expected to do all of the work required with no exceptions.
I understand that you may either love or hate the classes that you are taking. I think that if you are already in a class and realize that you aren’t going to like it, or if you think you might struggle with it, this may be a good option. There are even times when we are stuck in classes that we just end up taking because nothing else would fit into our schedules, and that’s okay. Maybe this option is for you.
If you are the type of student that needs your GPA to rise, then this may not be the best option for you. I know that I would do anything I could in order to raise my GPA. I also like the satisfaction of knowing what my actual letter grade is. I enjoy knowing exactly where on the spectrum I stand, but not everyone is like me. I would consult your advisor before making any sort of decision. They can best help you determine what is the best option for you.
No matter what you decide to do, make sure it is something that is going to make you happy. Your education is nothing to fool around with, considering how much it costs. We should be making the most out of it, and doing whatever we can to fully expand our brain and gain more knowledge.
Again, if you want more information about this pass or no pass option, check out the college’s website, go on JayWeb, or ask your advisor. No matter what, you’ll know what is best for you. Good luck!