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GPA boosting classes - Should i take 'em?

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 1:36 am
by mvonh001
I was wondering if it would be ok for me to take a math class (developmental math) when I have already got a B+ in calculus? I would be doing this solely for the GPA padding benefits, obviously; and it would be at a different school.

Any advice would be great.

Thanks

Re: GPA boosting classes

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 1:39 am
by John_rizzy_rawls
If it's remedial, LSAC won't count it. If it's algebra or whatever, it's fine go for it.

Re: GPA boosting classes

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 1:42 am
by mvonh001
How do i determine if it is remedial?

here is the course description :

MAT0018 Developmental Mathematics 1 4.00 credits
The student will learn operations with whole numbers, integers, fractions, decimals, percents and their applications; simplifying and evaluating algebraic expressions; ratios and proportions; solvinglinear equations in one variable and graphing solutions to linear inequalities. This course does not satisfy the college level mathematics requirements. Placement test scores or referral determine admission. Special Fee. (2 hr. lecture; 4 hr. lab)

Re: GPA boosting classes

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 1:43 am
by Nova
mvonh001 wrote: This course does not satisfy the college level mathematics requirements.
Thats remedial.

Re: GPA boosting classes

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 1:45 am
by mvonh001
got it... looks like im sticking with Mathematics for Liberal Arts 1

Re: GPA boosting classes

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 2:10 am
by mvonh001
Do you think its even worth it for me to take 4 extra classes this summer, all relatively easy and cost is not an issue either, for the bump of 3.21 -->3.30... I obviously want t-14. And i will be applying with a 3.30 but graduating with a 3.34 in december.

Re: GPA boosting classes

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 2:14 am
by alwayssunnyinfl
mvonh001 wrote:Do you think its even worth it for me to take 4 extra classes this summer, all relatively easy and cost is not an issue either, for the bump of 3.21 -->3.30... I obviously want t-14. And i will be applying with a 3.30 but graduating with a 3.34 in december.
Only you can make that decision. That's a pretty decent bump up, though.

Re: GPA boosting classes

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 2:16 am
by John_rizzy_rawls
mvonh001 wrote:Do you think its even worth it for me to take 4 extra classes this summer, all relatively easy and cost is not an issue either, for the bump of 3.21 -->3.30... I obviously want t-14. And i will be applying with a 3.30 but graduating with a 3.34 in december.
Almost a full .1 boost? Yep, do it.

Re: GPA boosting classes - Should i take 'em?

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 2:17 am
by mvonh001
statistically is it gonna matter because im already below the 25%?

Re: GPA boosting classes - Should i take 'em?

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 2:21 am
by alwayssunnyinfl
mvonh001 wrote:statistically is it gonna matter because im already below the 25%?
Once you're below the 25th percentile, you have to do everything you can to prove that you're academically capable. A huge and consistent upward trend in GPA is a great way to do that, as is a stellar LSAT score. Sure, statistically it doesn't make a difference, but you won't be the only splitter with your LSAT score vying for that spot. Give them no reason to doubt you.

Re: GPA boosting classes - Should i take 'em?

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 2:35 am
by mvonh001
thanks..

Re: GPA boosting classes

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:13 am
by Dr. Dre
Nova wrote:
mvonh001 wrote: This course does not satisfy the college level mathematics requirements.
Thats remedial.
How will LSAC know this? Are they going to read OP's course catalog/ class description to figure out that the class is indeed remedial?

Or does it show up on the transcript?

Re: GPA boosting classes

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:16 am
by wannabelawstudent
Dr. Dre wrote:
Nova wrote:
mvonh001 wrote: This course does not satisfy the college level mathematics requirements.
Thats remedial.
How will LSAC know this? Are they going to read OP's course catalog/ class description to figure out that the class is indeed remedial?

Or does it show up on the transcript?
Yes and yes

Re: GPA boosting classes

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:17 am
by John_rizzy_rawls
Dr. Dre wrote:
Nova wrote:
mvonh001 wrote: This course does not satisfy the college level mathematics requirements.
Thats remedial.
How will LSAC know this? Are they going to read OP's course catalog/ class description to figure out that the class is indeed remedial?

Or does it show up on the transcript?
Remedial math and English always shows up on the transcript.

Re: GPA boosting classes

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:23 am
by Dr. Dre
John_rizzy_rawls wrote:
Dr. Dre wrote:
Nova wrote:
mvonh001 wrote: This course does not satisfy the college level mathematics requirements.
Thats remedial.
How will LSAC know this? Are they going to read OP's course catalog/ class description to figure out that the class is indeed remedial?

Or does it show up on the transcript?
Remedial math and English always shows up on the transcript.
Oh ok. This is a dumb question, not trolling, I dire to know the answer: How is the remedial class indicated on the transcript (e.g., REM 101 Math, or Math001*.......*Remedial class, or Math001 (remedial))

Re: GPA boosting classes

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:27 am
by John_rizzy_rawls
Dr. Dre wrote:Oh ok. This is a dumb question, not trolling, I dire to know the answer: How is the remedial class indicated on the transcript (e.g., REM 101 Math, or Math001*.......*Remedial class, or Math001 (remedial))
Get a formal transcript from your UG and see for yourself. LSAC always knows whether it's remedial or not because they're not allowed to count it.

Re: GPA boosting classes

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:30 am
by Dr. Dre
alright, although, it will cost me $7....my meal for the day

Re: GPA boosting classes - Should i take 'em?

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 9:30 am
by A. Nony Mouse
Usually the numbering systems make clear which classes count and which don't - 100/1000 level is freshman, 200/2000 sophomore, and so on (depending whether your school uses 3 or 4 digit course numbers). Classes that start with 0 (e.g. MAT 0018) don't count. (There will be some schools that don't follow this, but generally this works.)

Re: GPA boosting classes - Should i take 'em?

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 12:52 pm
by wannabelawstudent
Remedial classes are clearly indicated on the transcript, and the institution typically doesnt count those towards your own GPA. It's either via the number, or a * or whatever they choose, and the key to their symbols are on the back of the transcript, but whoever is entering your info is familiar with the practice and knows what to look for.

Re: GPA boosting classes - Should i take 'em?

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 1:35 pm
by Tiago Splitter
mvonh001 wrote:statistically is it gonna matter because im already below the 25%?
You'll be below the 25% so the LSAT will be critical, but most T-14 schools have GPA floors that they hate to go below. With the decline in apps these floors are softening, but getting your GPA up over 3.3 could still make a difference at a few of these schools.

Re: GPA boosting classes - Should i take 'em?

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 11:47 pm
by mvonh001
thanks... looks like ill be busy this summer.

Re: GPA boosting classes - Should i take 'em?

Posted: Sun Mar 03, 2013 10:20 pm
by soontobelawschooler
,

Re: GPA boosting classes

Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2013 3:38 am
by lhanvt13
mvonh001 wrote:got it... looks like im sticking with Mathematics for Liberal Arts 1
Yup. Took this last semester and I'm graduating with a cOmputer Science degree and a minor in economics and math... Math for lib art I and II, and some weird variation of linear alg, trig, keyboarding, engineering economics, etc. took 30 credits over the summer and brought my GPA up .2 so it was well worth it . I actually did enjoy a few since I'm a big math-y person but as interesting as it was, it was a breeze to get by.

Re: GPA boosting classes - Should i take 'em?

Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2013 10:00 pm
by mvonh001
just to fill everyone in. I recently got my two F's changed to W's so my GPA at the end of this semester will be a 3.3 and after my 30 credit classwork binge this summer it will be a 3.46... 25th % here i come, lol... but not really :(

Re: GPA boosting classes - Should i take 'em?

Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2013 10:02 pm
by John_rizzy_rawls
mvonh001 wrote:just to fill everyone in. I recently got my two F's changed to W's so my GPA at the end of this semester will be a 3.3 and after my 30 credit classwork binge this summer it will be a 3.46... 25th % here i come, lol... but not really :(
mvonh001 wrote:just to fill everyone in. I recently got my two F's changed to W's so my GPA at the end of this semester will be a 3.3 and after my 30 credit classwork binge this summer it will be a 3.46... 25th % here i come, lol... but not really :(
Nice man. Retroactive withdrawals aren't too easy to get approved so well done.