On my mid-year report I may end with a B+ in my Calculus class. This is my first B+ in three years on my transcript and it is my first semester senior grade. the rest of the grades are As and some A-s. Would this significantly affect my chances at schools like Princeton? Would it make or break my application? It is a CPE calculus class (my only non AP) and I am not majoring in the STEM or economics field.
You’ll never know. But last year they admitted 4% - so you’re unlikely regardless - and not to be insensitive - but it’s the reality. If you’re not taking the most rigorous schedule, that will be held against you.
Obviously, if this is your first non-A, you’ve got an awesome portfolio. Hopefully you’ve got a rigorous overall schedule, great ECs and LORs - and match and safety colleges - and you’ll be fine.
The likelihood is you won’t get into Princeton - and you’ll never know why.
But someone is going to get in - and why not you? And you can’t get in if you don’t apply.
In short, I would not be concerned with a B+. I might be concerned that I’m not in AP Calc…but again, if you’ve got a great record, you’ll find a great home, Princeton or otherwise.
Good luck.
Simple answer is no. One mid year grade will not have a significant affect or be “make or break”.
Elite schools are not demanding absolute perfection of their candidates. They look for a combination of rigor, intellectual curiosity, institutional fit and the ability to thrive academically and contribute to the college community (to name a few). The AOs are looking at candidates through a holistic lens and a B+ mid year (within this context) will not in and of itself disqualify you.
The college admissions process is very stressful and you clearly have and are performing at a very high level. Please try not to place to much pressure on yourself. No one grade or score is going to make or break your future!
I would suggest you continue to do your absolute best academically (but don’t be obsessive) and instead focus that “worry” energy on extracurriculars that are important to you. Then make sure your passion for the ECs comes through both in practice and in your applications.
Be authentic, show your interests and don’t stress out.
Echoing the responses of others, one mid-year grade isn’t going to be the point of distinction. Colleges with single digit acceptance rates turn away tons of students with perfect stats and accept several students without them.
A college replaces 25% of their population every single year. They are looking for students who will thrive in, and add to, their community. A class full of perfect stat, self-studying AP test takers who all have their own non-profit does not make a very interesting community. Too many students focus on what it takes to be accepted and lose sight of the fact that it is best just to be yourself and accept your strengths and weaknesses.
Bottom line, the super selective colleges can recreate the incoming class several times over from the qualified applicants every year. Your worth as a person and student is so much more than that arbitrary decision.
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The acceptance rate at Princeton is in the low single digits. One B+ midterm grad isn’t going to be the reason you do or don’t get accepted. The school can’t accept every one who applies.
In addition to Princeton and the like, I hope you have applied to some schools with very realistic chances of acceptance and affordability.
And lastly, one B+ grade should not be stressing you out like this.
Chill out.