How would replacing one exam score change my course grade?

How we calculated this

The change to your course grade is the eligible weight times the difference between the replacement and original scores. Using the example values above (70% replaced with 90% at 20% eligible weight), your course result would change by +4.00 points. Selecting "No, or I am not sure" applies no change at all, since an unconfirmed policy should never silently affect your result.

Limitations

Exam replacement policies vary widely (some replace a score entirely, others average the two). This tool models a full replacement only; if your course averages the two scores instead, the actual effect will be smaller than shown here.

Common mistakes

A common error is entering the eligible weight as the weight of the entire exam category when only one specific exam within it is eligible for replacement. Use the weight of the single exam being replaced, not the category it belongs to, unless the whole category is genuinely eligible.

Frequently asked

What if my course averages the old and new scores instead of replacing?

That is a different rule with a different formula; treat this tool's result as an upper bound on the effect, not the exact number, until a same-rule tool is available.

Why does the tool ask if replacement is allowed?

Because assuming a policy that is not real would show you a change that will not actually happen. Confirm with your syllabus or instructor first.

What if the replacement score is lower than the original?

The delta will be negative, correctly showing that this replacement would hurt your grade; nothing forces you to accept the swap if the tool shows a negative result.

Does this apply to a final exam replacing a midterm?

Yes, if your course explicitly allows that specific replacement; enter the midterm as the original score and the final as the replacement, with the midterm's weight as the eligible weight.

Next decision

To see how dropping a low score instead compares, see Dropped Test Impact.