Big Problem

Applying to College
1

<p>I have been on this forum from about couple of weeks now and I am amazed by the amount of knowlegde and insight members at this forum possess regarding college admissions.
I have been having a huge academic problem for the last 3yrs of my high school career (Iam currently a junior) and was hoping to read some of your insights regarding the problem.</p>

<p>I arrived in United States in 2001, when I was 11. I remember not knowing how to speak a single sentence of English without hesitation and embarrasement. However, I knew that my parents came to U.S to find better opportunites for me and our family and I vowed to work hard and achieve success.
I worked really hard in 6th, 7th and 8th grades, and my teachers recommended me for all AP courses starting my Freshman year. During my eight grade year, I was placed in a PRE-Algebra accelerated course. My up comming high school counsler messed up my 9th grade schedule and placed me, for my 9th grade year, in Algebra 3-4 honors class. Considering I had never taken Algebra 1, I passed the class with "D" both semesters.
My sophmore year I consulted my counsler for what I should do regarding my math courses, and she recommended that I take Geometry. I took it and, once again, without no basis of Algebra passes the class with "C". My junior year, this year, I ONCE again consulted my counsler, stating my concern that I had never taken Algebra 1 and what I should do, and she recommended that I take REGULAR Algebra 3-4 and see where that takes me. Well, to makes a long story short, I went to my assistant principle and told him the BIG blunder my high school had made. He agreed to remove the grades from my transcipt and pay for the Algebra 1 class during summer school. (This summer)
My concern starts here. Since I have not had solid math for now 3yrs of my highschool career, my physics grades suffered. I tried to tell my assistant principle that he should consider removing the physics grade from my transcript and I would drop one of my AP classes for next year and re-take the class. He bluntly told me that there is no connection with physics and math and there is nothing he can do. I then sent an e-mail to my super intendent and told her what happend. But today I recieved an e-mail from my high school principle who stated in the e-mail that he wants the whole issue to now stop and told me that I need to stop contacting other officials outside of school.
Iam really concerned. In my honest opinion, my school has screwed me over. Iam a very hard working student. I have taken ALL AP classes that I could. I have excellent EC activites. I have a good GPA. I have been awarded my national honors that Iam extremely proud of. I just want to know do I have any chances at any schools? Not to be stuck up or anything but I really wanted to go to competitive schools. ANY insight would be greatly appreciated!</p>

2

<p>Maybe write a letter explaining your situation, but (sorry to be blunt) don't blame it all on other people. You're obviously not a math whiz. I am getting a+'s in calc right now, and I never took an algebra class in my life. Geometry was kind of hard, but I pulled through with an A- despite my lack of algebra.</p>

<p>And if you were really dedicated, you would have self-studied Alg. 1 and 2 while you were in 3 and 4, to catch up.</p>

<p>Sorry for my bluntness.</p>

3

<p>I agree -- time to stop blaming others. It is possible that because you are were an immigrant, you and your parents probably felt uncomfortable confronting the situation when it should have been done -- first semester 9th grade. I think that the principal agreeing to drop the math grades is incredibly generous on his part and I think you may be pushing it to ask any more. </p>

<p>My suggestion is to leave well enough alone and start studying math -- not just the class over the summer, but also self-studying. Without a good, solid background in algebra and geometry, you will have a hard time doing well on the standardized tests and that will hurt you far more than a poor physics grade.</p>

<p>What grades did you get in Physics -- and what do your other class grades look like?</p>

<p>And when you say your principal will remove your math grades -- will you get some type of credit for the classes (like a pass credit) or do you need to retake the classes?</p>

<p>A good source (inexpensive, thorough and easy to use) for online math study is <a href="http://www.aleks.com%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.aleks.com&lt;/a> $20 a month and you can study for as many hours as you want.</p>

4

<p>Thanks for the input.
Iam not blaming others. I had to work to help the family, and I was taking numerous AP classes. I didn't have the time nor the resources to go get a tutor and start studying. As for my assistant principle taking the grades off. Iam not getting any credit for those classes. I have to retake the class next year. And my other grades are fairly well. I really appreciate your inputs!</p>