The deadline to submit the Pass/No Pass petition is coming soon!

Taking a class Pass/No Pass can be an effective strategy in safeguarding your GPA because a "P" or "NP" is not used in your GPA calculations (some exceptions apply). Therefore, it has no negative (or positive) effect on your GPA.
Here's an example of a student who is using Pass/No Pass grading effectively:
John has a 3.0 UC transferable GPA after completing 15 units. He is currently enrolled in 15 units but 4 weeks into the semester, he is concerned about doing well in one of his general education courses. He did some "what if" calculations and this is what he found:
  • If he receives 2 A's, 2 B's and an F, his cumulative GPA would be 2.9
  • If he receives 2 A's, 2 B's and a NP, his cumulative GPA would be 3.2
  • If he receives 2 A's, 2 B's and a C, his cumulative GPA would be a 3.0
  • If he receives 2 A's, 2 B's and a Pass his cumulative GPA would be a 3.2
Based on his calculations, he decides to take the general education course he is struggling with on a Pass/No Pass basis to protect his GPA.
HERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN DECIDING IF PASS/NO PASS IS RIGHT FOR YOU:
  • Most SBCC AA/AS degrees do not require that you take the department requirements for a letter grade (this includes the major and controlled electives). Check the curriculum guide for your major.
  • Many, but not all, preparation for major courses for transfer should be taken for a letter grade. Check www.assist.org regarding your major and the institutions you are applying to.
  • Credit will be granted only when the work is of a quality equivalent to a grade of "C" or better.
  • If you earn a "D" or "F", the only way to repair your GPA would be to retake the exact same course. If you take a class for PASS/NO PASS and receive an "NP", you do not have to retake that exact course because your GPA was not affected.
  • The UC's will accept up to 14 units with a "P" grade. The CSU's have no uniform limitations (check the institutions' specific catalog).
  • Some transferring institutions may not accept all courses with Pass/No Pass grading.
  • Pass ("P") can be used for IGETC (even in English and Math). International students should take English for a letter grade.
  • Once you submit the approved PASS/NO PASS petition, you cannot change your mind after the P/NP deadline even if you are getting an "A" in the class.
  • Check with a counselor at the Academic Counseling Center about the appropriateness of taking a course Pass/No Pass
Students may elect Pass/No Pass grading in any course listed in the general catalog, with the consent of the instructor, no later than the 5th week (30% length of the class for classes not full-term) of the semester (1st week during summer session). To request this grading option, obtain your instructor's or an academic counselor's signature on the petition for Pass/No Pass Grading and submit to Admissions and Records by the deadline date.

Sincerely,

The Academic Counseling Center
If you have any questions regarding this email, or other academic counseling questions, 
This is an un-monitored email account, so please do not reply. 
Location:  Room 120 Student Services Building
Phone:   (805) 730-4085
Hours:
Monday and Thursday 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
Tuesday & Wednesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am - 1:00 pm