Advising at Penn State

Remember, optional alternative grades are designed to serve as a safety net for students whose academic performance was impacted by COVID-19 and other extenuating circumstances. Spring 2021 will follow the same rules as Fall 2020 for alternative grading. Students should not make the decision to use alternative grades lightly and should try to earn and keep strong letter grades. 

If you are considering an administratively enrollment-controlled major (such as majors in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, the Smeal College of Business, and the Colleges of Engineering and IST), restrictions and additional considerations apply. Learn about considerations for administratively enrollment-controlled majors. If you have questions not answered by the frequently asked questions (FAQs) and the link provided, please consult your academic adviser. 

“Students will have the option of replacing one or more letter grades with alternative grades that will not be included in their GPA calculation." - Keep Learning website.

The alternative grading flowchart below is a "living" flowchart. When you click on the boxes below, you can learn more about the variables that may impact your decision to elect an alternative grade in place of your earned letter grade. Support materials for the flowchart are on the Alternative Grading Decision worksheet.