Should I fight for this grade

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Hey all,

In my very first ever nursing class, a 2 credit intro online class, I earned an A. However, our platforms were switched and the teacher put my final grade in as a B+. Several other students were also given the incorrect grade, and maybe 2 were changed to the correct one. I have all of my grades for exams, papers, etc still accessible on our school's platform, as well as the rubric/syllabus. I attempted to make contact with my teacher 3 times by email, the third time asking if it were possible to meet with her (explaining about the grades) She responded saying no it was not possible and that she would see me at graduation. The next semester I talked to my nursing school's dean, who said she'd look into it but did not get back to me. Then I let it go, because after all it's 2 credits but also because I didn't know what would happen next and I didn't want to push an issue for a 2 credit class when I may have a similar issue in an 8 credit class down the line.

Fast forward, and I am a 3.9 cumulative GPA student and graduate this May!! I want my 3.9 GPA to stay 3.9 though so I can grad with summa cum laude. So now I've been thinking about that B+ that really should have been an A...

So I wrote this email to my nursing school's dean. I would appreciate opinions please?

I know I'm a somewhat of a perfectionist and maybe this seems silly to some and I know it won't matter when I'm working as a nurse, but I did work very hard in school and made sacrifices. Anyway this is what I wrote so far:

"I am a senior nursing student expected to graduate in May 2018.

[COLOR=#000000]I took [Course title} with [Professor Name] in July of 2015. I received a final grade of a B+. However, according to the rubric, my grade that I earned should have been an A. My grades are still accessible in [platform], and were transferred from a different platform. I believe the transfer is what may have caused confusion and the error in my final grade. I did not pursue this issue because it was the beginning of my academics in nursing therefore I did not want to ask for my grade to be reviewed so early into the program. I also learned that some of my fellow classmates were given the incorrect final grade as well, and their grades were subsequently corrected.[/COLOR]

Now that I am a senior, I would very much appreciate if my grade may be reviewed. I have done well in the nursing program. My cumulative GPA is 3.9. I am scheduled for an interview this week for a registered nurse position with [hospital name]. I also am currently employed with [hospital name] as a Patient Care Associate. These opportunities would not have presented themselves without the education I receive from [name of university] nursing program. Although my grade error might appear insignificant compared to the rest of my time throughout the nursing program, I still would like to ask this small request of reviewing final grade please."

TIA for opinions. If you want to say I'm being a little ridiculous or over the top, I do understand!

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Hi!

First off, congrats on your upcoming graduation!!

I would definitely continue to fight for the change in your grade. You worked your butt off for that A and if you feel that you truly deserve it, then fight for it. I am a perfectionist myself, so I know what it feels like to pour everything into getting the best possible grade and feeling slighted when you don't get what you deserve. If you have everything that you need to prove that the A is rightfully yours, then make it happen! GOOD LUCK!

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I personally would let it go. Assuming you still need references from the nursing school, I can't imagine them being too impressed that you are still pushing for this. And I don't think you will miss out on career opportunities with a b+ in one class. I just don't see the benefit in pursing it

part of being a nurse is critical thinking, knowing which battles to pursue and when to let go.

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I personally would let it go. Assuming you still need references from the nursing school, I can't imagine them being too impressed that you are still pushing for this. And I don't think you will miss out on career opportunities with a b+ in one class. I just don't see the benefit in pursing it

part of being a nurse is critical thinking, knowing which battles to pursue and when to let go.

I definitely considered about future references I may need! But I already applied to grad school and have my references (only 1 can be from a professor) so I don't really need that. And for jobs I was lucky enough to have a good rapport with most of my nursing teachers and current manager. I just want the summa cum laude for ME..not for a future job or to think I'd be a better nurse. I will definitely consider more though, with what you said.

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I agree with Castiela that you should let this go. While you write that you have no need for references from your program, you shouldn't burn this bridge. The nursing community isn't as large as you might think, as I found out the hard way, as the one bridge I burned haunted me for about 10 years.

As to your GPA, the difference in a B- and an A in a two credit class is going to be negligible.

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation and best wishes in your graduate program.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

If you just want it for you, it's time to let it go. If that's the hill you want to die on, then go for it. But honestly, for me, I wouldn't do it.

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If you just want it for you, it's time to let it go. If that's the hill you want to die on, then go for it. But honestly, for me, I wouldn't do it.

Wow that sounds extreme! The school I'm in is small and intimate, so maybe that makes a difference. I will ask my teacher who's also my adviser tomorrow what she thinks. Thanks for the responses because I held off from just emailing the dean today!

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As to your GPA, the difference in a B- and an A in a two credit class is going to be negligible.

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation and best wishes in your graduate program.

Thank you!

Ok so....I finally took time to calculate the WHOLE GPA. I had to do it with all the classes I've ever taken in college. A change from B+ to A, brings up my GPA 0.01. (where's the paper bag for my head??)

Hehe. So..moving on I'll just concentrate real hard to keep this gpa in my last 2 semesters now.

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Specializes in Med-Tele; ED; ICU.
Thank you!

Ok so....I finally took time to calculate the WHOLE GPA. I had to do it with all the classes I've ever taken in college. A change from B+ to A, brings up my GPA 0.01. (where's the paper bag for my head??)

Hehe. So..moving on I'll just concentrate real hard to keep this gpa in my last 2 semesters now.

Good choice.

The take-home lessons in this are (a) if you're going to appeal, do it immediately, and (b) be fully informed before choosing any course of action.

Congratulations on your outstanding academic performance and much success, be in graduate school, job hunting, or some combination of the two.

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Specializes in Occupational Health; Adult ICU.

When I was a lad I was a scrapper for grades that were lower than what I expected or felt I had earned. Later in life my views changed and attaining a 4.0 was internally changed (the goal) to ~3.4. I came to the realization that cum laude is pretty much all you need unless you're going to Harvard. My theorey is that with a ~3.4 I might do 200 units of work, but to attain a 4.0 I'd end up doing 400 units of work. Life is a balance so all my degrees have been between 3.4-3.5. I used those "spare" units of work to live life and have fun.

This being said, it is perfectly ok for you to hold your own views and the 3.9 may be so important to you that indeed, it is worth fighting for, especially if you have looked at it impartially and feel you deserve it, so in that case: Go for it.

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I'd be frustrated too, but for 0.01 point...meh.

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Grades, at most, doesn't really matter once you have passed the nursing board.

If you truly believe that there was an error. I would fight for it.

I do understand where you're coming from, you do deserve the Sumo Como Loud, damn, I can't even spell it! But, if this is bothering you, go ahead and pursue it. You'd be more butt hurt if you don't and I don't want you to look back and say "I should have fought for it" 80 years from now. :woot:

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