The truth about a 'C' in grad school?

[liastra]

I'm a 2nd year PhD student and I'm basically failing a class I'm taking (like 2nd to last place in the class). I spoke with the professor and the possibility of me getting a C in the class is absolutely real (I'd have to get an A on the final just to get a B-). 

 

How much does a C in one of my courses actually hurt me, other than people saying "it means you failed"? I know I have to maintain a 3.0 GPA in the program to stay here (I have a 3.6 currently, so I have some buffer) and I know my program doesn't force you to retake it (and most PIs say you shouldn't cause its a waste of time). I know also that you're required to provide grades when you apply for a post-doc Fellowship, but I don't plan to do a post-doc (I wanna go straight to industry).

 

SO, my question is what does a 'C' actually mean?? (Other than that I'm an idiot). What are the real-life consequences for my career in grad school? Thanks!

[scienceowl]

Do you plan to apply for any pre-doctoral fellowships? You usually need to submit transcripts for those, so it could matter in that case.

[TakeruK]

I think the only real place it will matter is the fellowships where your transcripts will be required. Otherwise, it probably won't matter unless your GPA gets low enough to be a concern for any advancement in your program (candidacy etc.)

[Tall Chai Latte]

I got a C in one of my required courses during 2nd year too. I guess it will bar me from applying for pre-doctoral fellowships and scholarships, but other than that, no real harm so far. My program had me retake that course before my preliminary exam, I passed the second time with a B+ and got through the prelim just fine. I also heard that some PIs check transcripts of prospective postdocs, but I don't know how much does that play into hiring decisions. 

 

Grades aren't the only thing that gets looked at on a fellowship application. Your PI's track record plays a role as well, so even if you have straight A's and great research proposal, you still may or may not win the fellowship.