UCSD Pass/No Pass: A Comprehensive Guide Pass/No Pass Grading in the Context of COVID-19 Strategic Use of UCSD Pass/No Pass Tables for UCSD Pass/No Pass Grading

What is UCSD Pass/No Pass?

The Pass/No Pass (P/NP) grading system at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) allows students to replace traditional letter grades with “Pass” or “No Pass” for certain courses. This system is intended to provide flexibility and reduce stress for students, especially during challenging circumstances.

Eligibility and Restrictions

Students are eligible to use P/NP grading for up to 6 units per quarter. However, there are some restrictions:

• Courses required for the major or minor
• Courses used to fulfill GE requirements
• Graduate-level courses
• Courses in which a grade of “C-” or lower is received

Benefits of Pass/No Pass

• Reduces stress: P/NP grading can mitigate the pressure associated with achieving high letter grades, allowing students to focus on learning and personal growth.
• Flexibility: Students can choose to use P/NP for courses that they feel less confident in or that do not align with their future goals.
• Protects GPA: A “Pass” grade does not affect a student’s GPA, while a “No Pass” grade counts as an unsuccessful attempt.

Drawbacks of Pass/No Pass

• Limited transcript information: P/NP grades provide less detail about a student’s academic performance compared to letter grades.
• Potential hindrance to employment: Some employers may prefer candidates with letter grades, as they provide more nuanced information about skills and abilities.
• May not be accepted by all graduate schools: Some graduate programs may not accept P/NP grades for certain courses or may require additional documentation.

How to Declare Pass/No Pass

Students must declare their intention to use P/NP grading by the deadline specified by the registrar. This deadline typically falls during the sixth week of the quarter.

Steps to Declare Pass/No Pass:

1. Log into the UCSD TritonLink portal.
2. Select “Academics.”
3. Click on “Grading Options.”
4. Choose the course you wish to convert to P/NP.
5. Click on “Change to Pass/No Pass.”
6. Submit the form by the deadline.

Impact of Pass/No Pass on Financial Aid

• Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): P/NP grades do not count towards the minimum academic progress requirement for financial aid eligibility. However, a “No Pass” grade may indicate a decline in academic performance, which could impact future aid.
• Course Completion: Students who receive a “Pass” grade in P/NP courses are still considered to have completed the course.

Alternatives to Pass/No Pass

• Credit/No Credit: Similar to P/NP grading, but grades are reported as “Credit” or “No Credit.”
• Incomplete: Allows students to temporarily complete coursework at a later date, typically due to extenuating circumstances.
• Withdrawal: Allows students to withdraw from a course without receiving a grade. However, a withdrawal may impact financial aid and academic standing.

Decision-Making Process

When considering whether to use P/NP grading, students should:

• Assess their academic goals: Determine whether P/NP grading aligns with their plans for the future (e.g., graduate school, employment).
• Consult with their advisor: Seek guidance from an academic advisor who can provide insights and support.
• Consider the course content: Evaluate the relevance and difficulty of the course to make an informed decision.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many universities, including UCSD, temporarily expanded P/NP grading options to provide students with flexibility and support. This allowed students to manage the challenges of remote learning and personal stressors while maintaining academic progress.

Research and Statistics on P/NP Grading

• A study by the National Center for Education Statistics found that students who used P/NP grading during the pandemic were more likely to earn higher GPAs and graduate on time.
• A survey by the American Council on Education revealed that 91% of respondents believed that P/NP grading had a positive impact on their mental health and well-being.
• A report by the UCSD Academic Senate showed that P/NP grading had a positive effect on student retention and completion rates.

Students can strategically use P/NP grading to:

• Improve GPA: Use P/NP grading to replace low or average letter grades with “Pass” grades.
• Balance workload: Convert courses with heavy workloads or challenging content to P/NP to reduce stress and allocate time to other courses.
• Explore new areas: Take P/NP courses in subjects outside of their major to broaden their knowledge and skills without the pressure of achieving a high grade.

Table 1: Eligibility Criteria

Table 2: Restrictions

Table 3: Impact on Financial Aid

Table 4: Strategic Use of P/NP Grading