Taking a class the first time doesn’t always work out, according to BYU-Hawaii students. By retaking a class, students can correct the blemish on their GPA’s and strengthen their self-confidence. Success can come by eliminating self-doubt, asking for help, and changing up your study habits.
Why retake a class?
“I decided to retake this class because I didn’t do so well the first time,” said Joseph Noronha Pushnam, a junior from Malaysia majoring in business and accounting. “The main reason I’m retaking one class is not only because I wanted a better grade and GPA, but because I wanted to learn more about my major. I wanted background information and to understand the material. I want to be more marketable as a graduate.
“I almost changed my major. If I hadn’t retaken that class here at BYUH, and I had left this mistake to pass me by, I would let other mistakes pass me by. Retaking this class is like redemption for me, taking that hardship head on and proving to myself I can do it.”
Some classes are inevitable, such as an accounting class, which Ashley Greer, a senior from Virginia studying accounting, had to take for her major. The first time attempting the class, Greer said the experience “was pretty hard. I got a 79.9 percent and I ended up having to retake it, and it was worth it. I did much better the second time around.”
When Greer was asked why a student should consider retaking a class, she said the new grade might replace the old grade but “It depends on the class and how passionate you are Don’t give up, you can retake [classes]. Taking it the second time around will better you. You figure hard stuff out, it is so satisfying, and you feel like you can do anything.”
One student with ambition is Steven Aurich, a senior from Oregon studying biomedical science, whose goal is to attend medical school. He said, ”I decided to retake a class because I want to maintain a competitive GPA. I understand one's GPA doesn't have the biggest influence in comparison to other requirements for medical school, but it shows that I care about learning and performing well. I think it's worth it if you have the time and patience.”
The doubt
“I was asked if I wanted to change my major,” shared Greer. “I was like, ‘No, I am not going to change my major. I am an accounting major. I’m going to do it over because I know I can do this.’
Greer felt it was important to share what she thought giving up meant because “students can give up on themselves even before the semester is over.”
She said giving up means, “Losing the first goal that you had. If you wanted to do something, you have to remember why you wanted to do it, why you’re taking that class or why you’re even in college. It can be hard, but you can get past it by working hard and studying.
You should be careful to not take your class too carelessly the second time you take it, according to Aurich. He said, “The class might be easier, but odds are you are retaking a class because it was hard. It's probably best if you devote even more time to it studying this semester than you previously had.
“Don't go crazy and retake everything to get the 4.0. I've heard plenty of post-grad institutions accept those who studied hard, but those are also well-rounded individuals who participate in the communities they live in and develop skills outside of academics.”
It is normal to have self-doubt after not doing well the first time, commented Pushnam. He said failing a class can cause us to lose faith in ourselves, and there is nothing wrong with changing the academic direction we’re going in.
“Don’t be scared about failing or dropping classes and changing majors,” said Pushnam. “There is always another major to take. There is something else. You’re bound to be useful. Heavenly Father is not going to use you for one major, but you are capable of being an instrument anywhere. You are still useful in some aspect.”
What can I do better?
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” advised Pushnam. “Ask your professor. Make your professor your closest friend. Some people see their professors as a one-hour source of information, every other day, every week. Don’t be ashamed. Visit your professor before class and proofread your assignments. I promise it will help. There’s a lot our professors can do to empower our lives.
“Don’t be afraid to retake a class. Find friends in that same class or in your same major. Find someone who motivates you to be better. Find a buddy you can trust your future with because that person will take you far.”
Starting a class with a head start and a basic understanding of all the material can change how well you do, according to Aurich. He said, “I think most people retake a course to improve a grade, and by already having studied material in the past, one can better study the things they had misunderstood in the past.”
The academic advising office, due to busy schedules and a large number of student visitations, declined to offer any information. However, the academic counselors said they will offer their support to students in any way they can to help them plan and achieve their goals.
Writer: Dani Castro