Ask the Adviser

Q. I failed Psychology 002. If I take it over again and get a better grade, will the 'F' be replaced by the new grade?

A. No. If an 'F' is earned in a course, it may be repeated, but the 'F' will not be erased. When a course is repeated, both grades appear on the transcript and are averaged into the student's cumulative grade-point average. So there is no advantage in repeating a course that you failed unless it is required for your academic program or your long-range plans.

It is important to discuss these issues and your alternatives with your academic adviser.

Q. I'm planning to take courses this summer. How many credits should I take?

A. The pace of summer session courses is usually very rapid and, therefore, demanding. At Penn State, one credit per week of instruction is generally considered to be a reasonable load. But you should consider your circumstances carefully. If you have other demands on your time -- such as a job -- or if you are taking a course that will be difficult for you, you may want to schedule fewer credits.

Also, think about your long-range goals. How will the courses affect your progress toward earning your degree? Is summer enrollment the most productive way to spend your break? Would you benefit from time off from school? Would an internship, a job, or a volunteer position be more valuable at this point?

Be sure to meet with your adviser to discuss these questions.

Provided by the Division of Undergraduate Studies, "Ask the Adviser" appears every other Wednesday on this page. E-mail your questions to DUS@psu.edu and specify that you would like them to be answered in the column. Do not address questions to The Daily Collegian.

Questions will be printed anonymously and may be edited. Because of space limitations, "Ask the Adviser" may not be able to address every question submitted. The column will answer those that are of interest to a wide audience or are particularly important for other reasons. DUS advisers will respond to other questions by E-mail.