Does your uni have something to the equivalent of 'grade forgiveness'? Where if you receive an F (and in my uni, any major classes with a D is considered an F), you can retake the class to replace the grade of the previous grade.

I want to echo the people who said it's no longer about length of time. The bottom line is 'do you understand what you are studying? or is it in one ear and out the other?'.

I highly recommend retaking the class in the immediate fall. This time, focus on whether you truly understand the topic, or merely memorized some of the answers (which is indicative of the fact that your got MCQ right; more times than not, MCQ reflects memorization more than understanding). Also, reach out to the professor. They make the world of a difference when it comes down to your final grade. I struggled in my tax class, went to the professor, so they knew my problem areas. When I received an exam back, they actually made a comment, 'grade job on getting this right' (because I kept getting it wrong on the homework).

THEN, when you are going through fall recruiting, let them know, 'yes, I received a D during the summer, but on my first exam in intermediate accounting during this semester, I aced it'. As an associate that goes to some recruiting events, I can honestly say we value someone who doesn't give up.

Take for example, I failed 4 CPA exams before I even passed one. No one knocked me for failing. They just praised the fact that I never gave up. (They may just be sugar coating it, but it sure as hell made me feel better that I didn't give up).

TL;DR Retake the class and don't be too hard on yourself.

"Everything works out in the end; if it hasn't worked out, it's not the end."