Alternative Transcript -- Retaking Calculus

Hello, badcalcgrade. To my untrained (non-admissions-Expert) eye, it seems as though you have more to gain from applying with what you have. Your GMAT™ total score is exceptional, and a 3.2 is a decent GPA. I would think that most admissions committees would look favorably on the upswing in your academic performance from the latter half of your undergraduate experience, and you could always address that calculus course in a supplemental response if you felt the need. Should you decide to go ahead and take an online calculus course, why not take the one that will look best on your application? You should not go into any new course fearful of failure. A good professor and a good textbook can make just about any material at that level accessible, and these e-courses are not designed to produce unhappy and unsuccessful students. Besides, even if you found yourself a little behind, you could always seek help from classmates, a dedicated tutor or TA for the course, or any of a number of calculus tutors online or in person. Instead of worrying about a worst-case scenario at UC Berkeley Extension, why not equally entertain the notion of a best-case scenario, one in which you take that course, earn an A (if the grading system goes beyond pass/fail), and have some tie to the school already?

It will be interesting to see what other advice you receive. For my part, I imagine that a grade from one course eight or so years ago will be considered little different from extracurricular experience: one small piece of a much larger puzzle.

Good luck, whatever you decide to do.

- Andrew