A "meh" grade in a college course

Applying to College
1

I’ve gotten all A’s in my high school classes, but this year I’m taking multivariable calculus at the state uni. My teacher is a grad student (not a professor) and hardly teaches - I’ve been mostly just reading the textbook myself. Unfortunately, I had a midterm the same day as another huge test, and both of these were the Friday before EA apps were due, so I found myself juggling three different important things, struggling to prioritize. Needless to say, my midterm did not go as well as I hoped. The teacher does not curve grades, and I have a B right now. In the near-impossible event that I get a 100 on the final, I will have an A-.

My question is, would this B be harmful? I’m looking at some top schools, some Ivies, etc. I still need to submit my transcript from the state uni to prove that I even took this course, right? I’m a little frustrated about this grade right now. What should I do? Would I be able to explain my situation to colleges?

2

One B at a college level course requires no explanation and will have no impact at all. Top schools seem to pride themselves on announcing the number of 4.0s they reject every year and the fact that they admitted many kids with less than perfect academic records whom they felt would contribute something valuable to the student mix. So rather than fixating on this one grade, focus instead on how you plan to differentiate yourself from all the other academically outstanding students out there who are applying to the same schools. Or even better, find some schools where you will stand out just the way you are and where you can get the tools you need to live the kind of life you want to have.

3

No harm. Do not stress about it.