Pre-Health
As we collectively grieve the loss of D’Sean Perry, Lavel Davis Jr., and Devin Chandler - beloved members of our UVA community - coming together to honor and celebrate the lives they lead and the values they stood for, we wanted to address questions we’ve received about grading. Due to the unique nature of applying to Pre-Health Professions schools with pre-requisites, we wanted to provide more tailored advice in response to the recent email from the Provost on ‘Grading Options Available for Fall 2022 Semester’ - as it pertains to those on the Pre-Health track.
We know a lot of you want to know what the CR/GC/NC option for Fall 2022 will mean for your pre-health journey.
Below are our recommendations and considerations:
- Based on past guidelines from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to recognize that some health profession programs have stated that they will not accept CR/GC/NC for Pre-Health prerequisites
- In most cases, Pre-Health Advisors will encourage students to take a letter grade for Pre-Health pre-requisite courses in which they expect to get a grade above a C.
- However, we recognize that these tragedies have impacted individual students differently, so this decision needs to be made on an individual basis. If you are considering taking CR/GC/NC for a Pre-Health pre-requisite course, we highly recommend speaking with a Pre-Health Advisor to discuss your options, prior to making your final decision.
- Unlike in the past, the Provost is allowing students to review their grades before selecting CR/GC/NC, which will hopefully allow students to make more guided and informed decisions.
- A note on timing: The University Registrar will send details about how to choose the CR/GC/NC option in early January, after transcripts have been processed.
- If you are considering CR/GC/NC for a major requirement, we highly encourage you to meet with your department advisor to ensure you will meet your curriculum requirements and stay on track to graduate.
- If you are an undergraduate student taking a graduate course, it is recommended that you consult with your Dean about the availability of the CR/GC/NC option.
- If a student has extenuating circumstances, then taking CR/GC/NC is a viable option - students should just be ready to explain how these events have affected their academic experience.
- NOTE: There will be an explanation of this CR/GC/NC system on your transcript that schools would be able to view and a description of the reason as to why it was offered for the Fall 2022 semester from the UVA Registrar. Hopefully, this should alleviate some of the pressure of having to justify your individual choices.
- If choosing CR/GC/NC for courses, regardless of the reason, schools will view those courses in context with the rest of your transcript. Therefore, when considering the option, think about how your academic abilities will be conveyed through your full transcript and graduate exam score.
- If you have taken CR/GC/NC for multiple classes over multiple semesters, we strongly encourage you to take letter grades to give schools more quantitative content to review.
- Pre-Health Advisors are available for consultation on any individual student situation. Please don’t hesitate to come chat with us during Drop-Ins at Clemons 2 (Mon-Thurs 1-4:30PM) OR to schedule a virtual Zoom appointment through Handshake/ by calling 434-924-8900.
Explanation of each grade as approved by the Provost:
- Credit (CR): awarded if you meet the class’s requirements for credit (C or higher). For Spring 2020 Fall 2022 only, CR will meet all undergraduate degree requirements, including prerequisites, general education, major, minor, etc. CR will not affect your GPA.
- General Credit (GC): awarded if you receive a passing grade below a C. GC will earn the credit hours associated with the course and will fill undergraduate requirements that can be met by a passing grade lower than C. GC will not affect your GPA.
- No Credit (NC): awarded if you receive a grade of F. This grade will not earn credit or meet any requirements. NC will not affect your GPA.