Thoughts about Retaking class

[Phipps]

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Hi all:

I am asking for the collective wisdom on this one:

I got a C in Research Methods (G) and, since this is going to be my last semester and since I would like to apply to doctoral programs, I am concerned...I guess, rightly so.

I could retake the class but I am uncertain since all other grades are okay and I don't feel like I have to be perfect. However, Research Methods is an important class and I am sure the grade matters. On the other hand, I have presented a paper (first author, qualitative research design though) at APA and currently work as a RA.

How does all that come together. Do you think schools will toss my application due to a C in RM???

 

[generalspecific]

I took statistics my first year in college and like you received a C. I later re-took the course my junior year and got an A. If you are confident you can get a better grade, I would say re-take it. Some schools have you list specific course grades on their application. For instance, I had to list my statistics and research methods course and it would look pretty bad if I had a C in one of those courses and was applying to research intensive programs.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

If this is your last semester, and thus if re-taking the class would force you to delay applying for programs in the 2011 cycle, I don't know that I'd recommend it (assuming your overall and psych GPAs are still ok). I can't speak for all schools, but I don't believe that a single C in any class would get your application tossed out of contention from our program. Rather, assuming you meet basic, objective cut-off criteria such as GPA and GRE scores, you'll make it to the "next level," at which point letters of recommendation, research experience/publications, and fit with the program come into play.

If there were extenuating circumstances that contributed to your grade, you could always work those into the appropriate application essay (along with evidence, such as you've provided regarding your paper presentation, that the C was an outlier rather than an indicator of your true ability). However, I'd be willing to bet that most faculty members understand that everyone can have one or two "off" classes while still remaining excellent admission candidates.

 

[FuturePhD2]

Hi all:

I am asking for the collective wisdom on this one:

I got a C in Research Methods (G) and, since this is going to be my last semester and since I would like to apply to doctoral programs, I am concerned...I guess, rightly so.

I could retake the class but I am uncertain since all other grades are okay and I don't feel like I have to be perfect. However, Research Methods is an important class and I am sure the grade matters. On the other hand, I have presented a paper (first author, qualitative research design though) at APA and currently work as a RA.

How does all that come together. Do you think schools will toss my application due to a C in RM???

If you can retake it, I would do so. If you plan to go in the academic research direction and are applying to labs that are very productive, then you should definitely retake it. Research experience in labs counts, but if they see you've gotten a C in a course meant to objectively measure your aptitude for designing a study, they may wonder if you're cut out for the research you will have to do in a doctoral program.

 

[starsinnight]

I would... but that's just me. 🙂 If I could "fix" or change a C to an A, I would jump on it.

I had a dilemma similar to this in undergrad. I wasn't sure if I should take a research class or lab at all. I was trying to decide if I should during the fall when applications were due, so I registered and then determined it wasn't the right time for me, dropped the course, skipped applications, became a research asssistant instead, and then entered a masters program with many research courses.

It all works out in the end. Good luck!

 

[Phipps]

😕

If this is your last semester, and thus if re-taking the class would force you to delay applying for programs in the 2011 cycle, I don't know that I'd recommend it (assuming your overall and psych GPAs are still ok). I can't speak for all schools, but I don't believe that a single C in any class would get your application tossed out of contention from our program. Rather, assuming you meet basic, objective cut-off criteria such as GPA and GRE scores, you'll make it to the "next level," at which point letters of recommendation, research experience/publications, and fit with the program come into play.

If there were extenuating circumstances that contributed to your grade, you could always work those into the appropriate application essay (along with evidence, such as you've provided regarding your paper presentation, that the C was an outlier rather than an indicator of your true ability). However, I'd be willing to bet that most faculty members understand that everyone can have one or two "off" classes while still remaining excellent admission candidates.

THANKS ALL for your feedback and thoughts. This is helpful. I agree with all you have mentioned, i.e., there are pros and cons to retaking the class. My concern is that I would not be competitive with a C+ in Reserach Methods. On the other hand, I am sure that one C+ does not prevent me from reaching my goal...at least, I hope not.

There is another component to it though. The person (A) I work foras a RA says 'don't retake it' (A can't stand B who teaches the class this semester nor can A stand the one who graded me with a C+). So, there is a lot of tension etc. within the department and I am sure some of you know about those things...as a RA I feel like I am in between these battles and out of loyality to A (A: you'll find retaking it with B a waste of time. Read a good book on Research instead, etc.) I am hesitant now. However, I really woudl like to improve my grade ad overall GPA. I sit in A's office with A present four times a week, with person B and C next to us.

So, that's the other piece. I am stuck and have like two more days to register amnd get the book befoer that class starts on Monday...if I decdie to do so.

More thoughts??

Thx,
Phipps

 

[nycegurl]

I think that retaking the class definitely wouldn't hurt although if your other stats are good it should be okay. You have the research experience with presenting as first author which works in your favor.

From personal experience, when I took abnormal psychology I received a C+ and I was really worried about this since I was applying to counseling psych doctoral programs. I didn't get a chance to retake the class but it wasn't a big deal at the end of the day and wasn't mentioned at my interviews or anything. I got into my #1 choice so I'm happy with the outcome. But I think if you have time then you should go for it since you want to be as competitive as possible.

Good luck!

 

[FuturePhD2]

😕

THANKS ALL for your feedback and thoughts. This is helpful. I agree with all you have mentioned, i.e., there are pros and cons to retaking the class. My concern is that I would not be competitive with a C+ in Reserach Methods. On the other hand, I am sure that one C+ does not prevent me from reaching my goal...at least, I hope not.

There is another component to it though. The person (A) I work foras a RA says 'don't retake it' (A can't stand B who teaches the class this semester nor can A stand the one who graded me with a C+). So, there is a lot of tension etc. within the department and I am sure some of you know about those things...as a RA I feel like I am in between these battles and out of loyality to A (A: you'll find retaking it with B a waste of time. Read a good book on Research instead, etc.) I am hesitant now. However, I really woudl like to improve my grade ad overall GPA. I sit in A's office with A present four times a week, with person B and C next to us.

So, that's the other piece. I am stuck and have like two more days to register amnd get the book befoer that class starts on Monday...if I decdie to do so.

More thoughts??

Thx,
Phipps

Again, I'd say depends on the type of program you're applying to. If your lab of interest is heavy on the research, this is something they will likely look at. One way to mitigate this might be to address it in your personal statement and demonstrate that you CAN design a study by talking about studies that you would like to do in the various labs to which you are applying (obviously that go with the direction/goals of the overall research line).

 

[Phipps]

I think that retaking the class definitely wouldn't hurt although if your other stats are good it should be okay. You have the research experience with presenting as first author which works in your favor.

From personal experience, when I took abnormal psychology I received a C+ and I was really worried about this since I was applying to counseling psych doctoral programs. I didn't get a chance to retake the class but it wasn't a big deal at the end of the day and wasn't mentioned at my interviews or anything. I got into my #1 choice so I'm happy with the outcome. But I think if you have time then you should go for it since you want to be as competitive as possible.

Good luck!

I do have the time and would get full tuition reimbursement for it also. I got an A in my stats class, did an independent study, thesis, and RA.

 

[Phipps]

Again, I'd say depends on the type of program you're applying to. If your lab of interest is heavy on the research, this is something they will likely look at. One way to mitigate this might be to address it in your personal statement and demonstrate that you CAN design a study by talking about studies that you would like to do in the various labs to which you are applying (obviously that go with the direction/goals of the overall research line).

Makes sense. I am interested in research/lab work but not that heavy. I currently apply to Ph.D./Psy.D. programs and may have to reapply next year. Haven't heard from any of the six programs but I know it is somewhat early on in the game.

Independently of that, I like your thought on being able to talk about research designs and the like. That makes a lot of sense. Also, addressing it in my essays....

Thx for the suggestions 😳