Three policies, three different outcomes

Retaking a class — what changes?

Retaking a class can improve your GPA — but how much depends on your school's retake policy. Grade replacement removes the old grade entirely. Averaging splits the difference. Counted alongside keeps both on your record. This calculator handles all three and shows you the exact impact.

How to use this calculator.

Step by step

Enter current GPA and credits.

Your existing academic record.

II.

Enter the course details.

Credits, old grade, and expected new grade.

III.

Select your school's policy.

Replacement, averaging, or counted alongside.

Why the easy version.

Four reasons

Three policies

Grade replacement, averaging, and counted alongside — genuinely different math.

II.

Instant comparison

See the GPA change immediately.

III.

Realistic expectations

Know exactly how much a retake will help before committing.

IV.

No signup

Free and immediate.

The math behind it.

Grade replacement: remove old quality points, add new ones, same total credits. Averaged: replace old quality points with the average of old and new grades. Counted alongside: add new quality points AND new credits to existing totals.

Frequently asked questions.

Many do, but policies vary widely. Some replace automatically, some require a petition, some only allow it once per course. Check your registrar's office.

Grade replacement always gives the largest GPA boost. Averaging gives a moderate boost. Counted alongside is the least favorable because it adds credits without removing the old grade.

Some schools allow retaking passed courses. Others only permit retakes for D or F grades. Policies vary significantly.

Most schools limit retakes to one or two attempts. Financial aid may also have retake limits. Check both your academic and financial aid policies.

Usually yes. With grade replacement, the old grade may appear with a note (like R for replaced) but the new grade is used for GPA. Both attempts typically remain visible.