Can I repeat a course to improve a grade?

Repeating a Course

Students may choose to repeat a class to:

• Meet academic requirements

• Improve their GPA

• Refresh knowledge of the subject material

Grades & GPA

• Both the original and repeated grades remain on the transcript.

• Only the highest grade is used to calculate GPA at Normandale, unless the catalog allows the class to be repeated for additional credit. Students are encouraged to confirm how their grades will be calculated with their transfer institution.  

Credits & Completion Rate

• All attempts of a repeated course count as attempted credits for satisfactory academic progress, but only one instance counts as successfully completed.

• Students may repeat a course twice; a third repeat requires dean’s approval.

Financial Aid Considerations

• Students receiving Veterans’ Administration benefits will not receive payment for repeated coursework if a passing grade was earned on the first attempt.

• Consult the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office to determine if repeated coursework is eligible for financial aid.

Special Note

• If either instance of the repeated course was taken before 1998, contact the Records Office to initiate a repeat recalculation.

• PSEO students cannot repeat a course in which they have received a grade of “D” or higher. Students should meet with their Normandale Advisor to discuss concerns.