Back to school....

CrimsonLadybug · #1 07-28-2007, 06:19 PM

I've considered the low-residency program option. Naropa, one of the schools I was considering, only offers "Creative Writing" as an LR. They have an in-resident program called Writing and Poetics as well but the actual creative writing program isn't. I don't know if I would enjoy it as much as actually being in the classroom. Banter is one of the best parts of a creative writing program, IMO.

SoCalGirl · #2 07-29-2007, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Generally speaking, can (should) I go back and retake some of those C classes to try to get a better grade before even applying?

Does anyone know the answer? I've been contemplating this for about a week now. Is it possible, once graduated, to retake classes to increase a gpa? Or would the better option be to get a 2nd BA/BS before going for a masters?

AlexMack · #3 07-29-2007, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalGirl

Does anyone know the answer? I've been contemplating this for about a week now. Is it possible, once graduated, to retake classes to increase a gpa? Or would the better option be to get a 2nd BA/BS before going for a masters?

TBH it seems like you'd have to wing it on specific university policy. Like, for instance, UMASS allows you to repeat a class if you got a C- or lower but you may only do it for five classes through your academic career. But they may not have a precedent for after graduation. My guess is that they wouldn't. It sounds like a very unique situation.
(I, unfortunately, have much experience retaking classes. Thankfully my success story is excellent. An F to an A-!)

SoCalGirl · #4 07-29-2007, 03:24 AM

I was much more of the burn and churn student. Just keep moving forward!

CrimsonLadybug · #5 07-29-2007, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by porkfriedrice

(I, unfortunately, have much experience retaking classes. Thankfully my success story is excellent. An F to an A-!)

I too have experience with retaking classes and also boosted one grade from an F to an A. I think who teaches the class has a lot to do with the grades earned. My success was in Shakespeare and I hated the professor who taught it the first time.

justabeachbrat · #6 07-29-2007, 02:04 PM

Does the school you are interested in have an "open university," like CA state schools?

Through open university, a student can take regular college classes without formal admission, with the permission of the instructor. Registration is the first week of school. Those opting for this can take up to, I believe, six units a term in semester schools (with a maximum of 12 total). Depending on your department, the classes might be counted once admitted into a master's program. Prerecquisities (sp?) have to be met to take classes. It is a way to get your foot in the door, and hopefully, get the GPA up.

I also flew just below the radar with my first BA, with grades just high enough to stay in school. Too many parties, committees, and side trips away from campus, and my GPA reflected it.

I really had no idea what I wanted to do, but it looked silly to be an undeclared junior/senior, so I finished a major I really wasn't suited for. I went back in a year, completed another BA and worked in the media several years. After having worked for companies that were sold, with layoffs, competition from the net, and some employers looking to hire people just out of school because they worked cheap, I am heading back to school in the fall, with a goal of getting a master's in student affairs.

As far as retaking classes, the GC'ers of above are right about checking with the school. Requirements can change.

I have been admitted into a master's program, conditionally, after having moved my GPA from a dismal 2.2 to 2.6. I am intending to take classes for a year, and then probably re-apply. I've taken classes after getting my second BA, and got As and Bs. I'd like to enter the master's program with no conditions, it makes it possible for me to apply for paid assistantships. The classes I will take this year are among classes needed for a master's. My advisor wants me to start the program now, she's a get out there and fly person, and I am still mulling it over.

I don't know if any of this helps. Good luck.

gamma_girl52 · #7 07-30-2007, 02:16 PM

I was going back and forth for 3.5 years about whether I was going back to school or not. I graduated in '03 with a BA in English and haven't used it

mainly because I don't have the desire to teach--which was my goal in undergrad. That's what I got it for, go figure...and that's the FIRST thing people ask me. "Why don't you teach?" GRRR. (No offense to our GC teachers though!)

Instead, I've decided to go back and finish up my minor which was in Sociology. I loved my classes and I enjoy doing research, so hopefully I will find a career in which I can use both degrees. I'm considering getting into grant writing or exploring other fields in sociology. Some people don't see the logic in my returning to school to get a second Bachelor's, but in the end you have to choose the field that's best for you. As much as I loved English Lit, I have an equal love and interest for Sociology. So, since I work at a University (and they pay for my classes anyway!

) I took the opportunity. I'll be finished in about a year or so, and I already have started looking at various job options (including the grant writing).

The other GC'ers were right. Schools are different about retaking classes. At my school, you can retake them but the new grade dosen't replace the old crappy grade you got last time (which I think sucks). Also, justabeachbrat makes a good point about "open university" (it's called "postbaccalaurate" or post-bac for short) where you can take some classes and get your grades up without being formally admitted into a program just yet.