<p>I'm a high school junior. Throughout my school career, I've had really good grades, solid extracurriculars, etc. However I have a few assorted questions about different aspects of college admissions. I'm really hoping to get into a good school.</p>
<p>a) Until this year, I generally got A's in math, though it is not by any means my strong point, because I've had great teachers. This year, I was lucky enough to have my math teacher from last year (who was very fair and taught in a way that was easy to understand). Second semester, they gave my class to another teacher. Though my grades in all subjects besides math have been straight A's since (including some very difficult AP courses), my math grades have slipped since the change in teachers. I had a B last quarter and a C this quarter. I'm almost certain it will be a C semester. How poorly will this reflect upon me? Is there any way to explain the situation to the schools I apply to? I've never gotten below a B+ semester grade (and even those are rare), so needless to say, I'm freaking out.</p>
<p>b) What scores for SAT subject tests are considered strong? I took Lit and U.S. history and received 660's on both. I was planning on retaking Lit anyway, as I have never taken a lit class, but is it worth retaking U.S., considering I may not remember much next year? Also, would it be to my advantage to add physics to the tests I take? How are the subject tests weighted?</p>
<p>c) I have only taken two years of foreign language. They were in middle school, for high school credit. I tried to take a third year as I entered high school, but was told to choose between a class for an extracurricular that I am currently very involved in and an extra year of language (because of freshman phys ed and health requirements). Will this reflect badly upon me? Is there any way to explain it to colleges to help me overcome the blip in my transcripts?</p>
<p>First off, what do you mean by "good school"? I'm asking just because different people have different goals and expectations, so that'll help us give you more advice. What area are you considering studying?</p>
<p>a) Don't worry. One lower grade will not destroy your chances. Obviously try to get/keep your grades up, but if the rest of your transcript is solid, I wouldn't worry about it. If you're planning on going into a math-intensive field, that mark may be of some concern though.</p>
<p>b) Depends on which colleges you're looking at, in terms of what scores are "strong" and the weighting given to the scores. Take a look at the admissions websites of the colleges you are looking at; they usually will post the stats of the previous year's applicants, so aim for your scores to be at least middle 50%</p>
<p>c) You could probably ask your GC to include some sort of comment saying you were unable to continue the language due to scheduling conflicts.</p>
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<li> Your math grade is what it is. You tried your best and you're not perfect. No one can tell you that it won't mean anything--we can't know what discussions might take place in an admissions committee. However, since your other grades are so strong, you should apply where you want and depend on a holistic approach. You might also consider a recommendation letter from a math teacher as one of your two if that person can underscore your ability and persistence in math and counteract the impression left by this one semester.</li>
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<p>2, Strong math standardized test scores can help counteract the impression left by a lower grade (and vice versa). This means doing decently on the math SAT and, if possible, taking the Math II SAT 2. Schools do not care which SAT 2s you take and you can make this decisions with an eye towards what gives the best picture of your academic abilities. It's hard to tell you what scores are considered strong because it depends on where you want to go. For the most competitive schools, it's nice to have a 7 at the beginning of the score. But there is no hard and fast rule--it's going to depend on your entire application. </p>
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<li> I would agree that the course selection issue is best handled by the counselor letter. However--instead of explaining why you did not continue in a foreign language, I would ask the counselor to emphasize your multiple year commitment to and deep involvement in the class/extracurricular that you took instead.<br></li>
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<p>Keep in mind that all of this is water under the bridge. You made certain choices for good reasons. There is no profit in expending energy fretting about where those choices may have led you. Apply to a good mix of schools and focus on your primary application essay this summer.</p>