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University of Southern California Grade Replacement Calculator

University of Southern California's retake rule: Grade replacement (first-year students only)

New USC GPA

3.00

Now

2.80

Change

+0.20

Your retake

Your new USC GPA

3.00

from 2.80 (+0.20)

Replacement applies

USC policy: Grade replacement (first-year students only)

Qualifying grade — the original is removed from your GPA.

USC grade replacement (only the later grade counts in the GPA, even if lower) applies only to first-time freshmen repeating courses graded D+ or below taken in their first two semesters, capped at 3 courses total, each repeatable once. For all other undergraduates both grades count in the GPA. Use the first-year toggle above to switch between the two outcomes.

Unofficial. Based on University of Southern California's published policy (as of 2025-26). Policies change, so always confirm with the USC registrar before making decisions.

Sources: USC retake policy

How This Calculator Works

Every value is taken from University of Southern California's own published registrar, catalog, or admissions sources and dated; this tool is unofficial and should be confirmed with the registrar.

Sources: https://arr.usc.edu/grades-faculty-and-staff/, https://arr.usc.edu/grades-faculty-and-staff/

Did You Know?

University of Southern California removes the original grade only for qualifying repeated courses (D+/D/D-/F grades).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

Does University of Southern California allow grade replacement?

University of Southern California removes the original grade only for qualifying repeated courses (D+/D/D-/F grades). USC grade replacement (only the later grade counts in the GPA, even if lower) applies only to first-time freshmen repeating courses graded D+ or below taken in their first two semesters, capped at 3 courses total, each repeatable once. For all other undergraduates both grades count in the GPA. Use the first-year toggle above to switch between the two outcomes.

  • Policy: Grade replacement (first-year students only)
  • Only D+/D/D-/F grades qualify
  • Both attempts stay on the transcript
  • Check the registrar for course-specific limits
You retake a...Old grade in GPA?Result at USC
D+, earn an ARemoved*Only the A counts (*if it qualifies)
C, earn an AStill countsDoes not qualify — both count
Q

Does the original grade stay on the USC transcript?

Yes. Repeated courses remain on the transcript at USC; what changes is whether the original grade is counted in your cumulative GPA. At USC the qualifying original grade is excluded from the GPA.

  • The transcript shows every attempt
  • The GPA may exclude the original
  • Employers/grad schools can see all attempts
  • Grade replacement affects the GPA number, not the record
Q

How does retaking a course change my USC GPA?

Enter your current GPA, credits, and the old and new grades above to see your recalculated USC GPA under its "grade replacement (first-year students only)" rule.

  • Enter current cumulative GPA and total credits
  • Pick the original and retake grades
  • The tool applies USC's exact rule
  • See your before/after GPA and the change

Example Calculations

1Retaking a D for an A at USC

Inputs

Current GPA2.80 over 45 credits
Course3 credits, D → A

Result

New USC GPA3.00

USC removes the D: (126 − 3 + 12) ÷ 45 credits = 3.00. The original drops out of the GPA.

Formulas Used

Recalculated USC GPA after a retake

new GPA = (current points ± course adjustment) ÷ adjusted credits

USC applies its "grade replacement (first-year students only)" rule to decide whether the original grade is removed before recomputing.

Where:

current points= current GPA × current credits
course adjustment= change from removing/adding the repeated course under USC's rule

Source: https://arr.usc.edu/grades-faculty-and-staff/

How Retaking a Course Works at University of Southern California

University of Southern California removes the original grade only for qualifying repeated courses (D+/D/D-/F grades). USC grade replacement (only the later grade counts in the GPA, even if lower) applies only to first-time freshmen repeating courses graded D+ or below taken in their first two semesters, capped at 3 courses total, each repeatable once. For all other undergraduates both grades count in the GPA. Use the first-year toggle above to switch between the two outcomes.

USC's policy means a qualifying retake can meaningfully raise your GPA by removing the original grade's drag. The calculator above shows the exact before/after numbers under USC's rule, so you can decide whether a retake is worth it.

Whatever the GPA effect, every attempt stays on your USC transcript. Grade replacement changes the number used for standing, honors, and eligibility — not the underlying record that graduate schools and employers can see.

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This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

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