Strategies for Students on Probation
Tips for Improving Your GPA:
- Let your probationary status serve as a "wake up call." Those grades stay on your transcript!
- Enroll in fewer courses/credits and devote more time to those courses.
- Study 2 to 3 hours for every hour you spend in class.
- Keep a journal documenting how much time you spend studying – hold yourself accountable for how you use your free time.
- Repeat courses in which D's and F's were earned and in which you believe you can improve your grade.
- Make sure you have the necessary prerequisites for the courses you enroll in.
- Be aware of the deadlines for withdrawing from classes.
- Use academic support services, such as the Tutoring Center, 41 Solon Campus Center.
- Enroll in SSP 1054, College Study Strategies, to learn more effective study techniques.
- Meet regularly with your academic advisor to discuss your progress and college success strategies.
- Organize study groups in your classes. Research shows that students who study with other students achieve higher grades.
- Maintain an academic planner to keep track of assignments and progress.
- Minimize your hours of employment as much as financially possible.
- Explain the situation to your parents. Parents can provide valuable support as well as hold you accountable.
- Know what GPA you need to achieve in order to establish good academic standing, and be aware of how you are doing in classes. Be realistic and work hard to achieve your goals.
Should Your Repeat a Course?
If possible, retake UMD courses in which you received a D or F because only the last passing grade counts in your GPA. See the example below.
| Course | Credits | Grade & Point Value | Grade Points (credits x point value) | Semester GPA (total grade points ÷ total credits) | Cumulative GPA |
Fall Semester |
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| Math 1160 | 5 cr | F (0.0) | 0.0 |
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| Comp 1120 | 3 cr | C (2.0) | 6.0 |
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| Psy 1003 | 4 cr | C (2.0) | 8.0 |
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| SSP 1000 | 1 cr | B (3.0) | 3.0 |
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| Semester credits: 13 cr | Semester grade pts: 17.0 | 1.307 | 1.307 | ||
Spring Semester without course repeat |
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| AmIn 1120 | 3 cr | B (3.0) | 9.0 |
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(total grade points ) total credits) 50.67 ÷ 27 |
| Comm 1222 | 3 cr | B- (2.67) | 8.01 |
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| Engl 1101 | 3 cr | C (2.0) | 6.00 |
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| Rec 1202 | 2 cr | C+ (2.33) | 4.66 |
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| LSBE 1101 | 3 cr | C (2.0) | 6.00 |
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| Semester credits: 14 cr | Semester grade pts: 33.67 | 2.405 | 1.877 | ||
Spring Semester with course repeat |
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| AmIn 1120 | 3 cr | B (3.0) | 9.0 |
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(Fall Math 1160 not calculated into GPA) 50.01 ÷ 22 |
| Comm 1222 | 3 cr | B- (2.67) | 8.01 |
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| Engl 1101 | 3 cr | C (2.0) | 6.00 |
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| Math 1160 | 5 cr | C (2.0) | 10.0 |
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| Semester credits: 14 cr | Semester grade pts: 33.01 | 2.357 | 2.273 | ||
Each grade carries the following grade points: A=4.00; A-=3.67; B+=3.33; B=3.00; B-=2.67; C+=2.33; C=2.00; C-=1.67; D+=1.33; D=1.00; F=0.00. Credits associated with the grade F are not applied toward the credit total needed for graduation but are included in GPA calculations. The grade N does not carry credits or grade points. The grade S carries credits but no grade points and, thus, is not calculated into the GPA. The amount and quality of work required for a grade of S may not be less than that required for a C (2.00).
Calculate your grade point average without and with a course repeat (pdf version)
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Credits |
Grade & Point Value |
Grade Points (credits x grade point value) |
Semester GPA (total grade points ÷ total credits) |
Cumulative GPA |
Fall Semester |
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Spring Semester without course repeat |
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(sum of fall & spring grade points ÷ sum of fall & spring credits) |
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Spring Semester with course repeat |
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(sum of fall & spring grade points ÷ sum of fall & spring credits less repeats) |
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Questions or Concerns: Stop by CLA Student Affairs and Advising Center, 310 Kirby Plaza
Link to Additional Information on the Web:
GPA Calculator www.d.umn.edu/student/loon/acad/plan/gpa.htmlStudy Strategies homepage www.d.umn.edu/student/loon/acad/strat/