So I’ve been taking AP classes throughout high school. Last year I started taking dual credit classes through the local community college too. In my english dual credit class we has a final essay for 20% of the grade. I submitted the essay within the time frame, however, there was some sort of technology problem and my teacher only received the title of my essay. For this, my teacher gave me a score of 2/100 on the final. Obviously this is really low. I don’t feel like this is a fair grade given that I did all the work within the time limit. I have performed well in this class all semester. Because fo the final my grade dropped from an A to a C. My teacher is not willing to let me earn points back at all.
I’m a senior and I’m applying to colleges right now. I get good grades, a “c” is pretty out of character for me. I take difficult classes and I do well in them. I am also heavily involved in extracurriculars. I’m really worried about what a C on my transcript will do to my chances of admission at colleges. And how it will affect my scholarships/merit based financial aid. Since this is a dual credit class, this grade will also go on my college transcript. How much will this affect my chances at getting into law schools?
Is there anyway I could have this omitted from my college transcript? Like if I took the class again in college without transferring the credit?
I would really appreciate any advice you can give me. This situation is making me really anxious about the opportunities I will be able to have in the future.
I think it’s also important to note that I have the same teacher again next semester, so I don’t want to somehow ruin my chances of doing well next semester.
First, I’m so sorry that happened to you. Unfortunately you cannot remove it from your transcript as the other poster said. You do, however, have a couple of options. I would appeal to the professor again, one more time. Were you distance learning due to COVID? If yes, schools are generally sympathetic to COVID related technical glitches so I’m surprised by the hard line. The school may have something set up to address COVID/technical issues where they may be able to help mediate a resolution, I would call an advisor at the Community College and ask. If you are fully confident that you are an A student and this was the result of a technical glitch, you could go to the Dean/Department head. This is always a politically risky move and might not get you anything, but what do you have to lose? Squeaky wheel gets the grease. Don’t wait! Try your best to get it resolved before grades are finalized and everyone goes on break at the CC.
Finally, if nothing else works… you can retake the class and replace the grade. If you are planning on applying to competitive admit schools or going on to graduate studies you may want to do this. However, in order to replace the grade you must retake it at the CC where you originally took the class because when you apply to law school they will request transcripts from each college you attended… so you’re chosen undergrad university will show the classes and grades you took with them, and your CC will separately show the classes and grades you took with them, understand? If you retake at your CC they will only show the retake grade on your transcript (noted as a retake). If this is your chosen option, I would recommend retaking the class next semester or over the summer (while you’re still technically in high school). Also, you are young and it’s a COVID nightmare so people will likely be understanding even if you’re not able to retake the class. If all your other grades are strong, I see no reason it will overly effect you grad school prospects or academic future.
And most importantly, a C is not the end of the world! Most high-school-aged kids would be happy to get a C in a college level course… it just sounds as though it doesn’t fairly represent who you are and what you’re capable of. That’s why I’m suggesting the retake, not because it’s ‘bad’. You said you have the same professor next semester? I wouldn’t recommend that… at a Community College they typically have many different sections with different professors, choose a different one. Any other section, even if it means postponing until summer school because that professor is obviously difficult.
Hang in there! Be kind to yourself during theses tough times… it will be ok.
Thank you so much for your reply! I really appreciate you taking the time out to help me. Unfortunately, the dual credit program at my school doesn’t let us choose our professors, otherwise, I would have chosen a different class. I’m going to take your advice and speak to an advisor about retaking this class. From what I’ve heard, the CC hasn’t been very sympathetic to technology problems for distance learning.
You’re very welcome. One more thing, you may be able to step around your school and go directly through the Community College to replace the grade if necessary. My daughter is a DE homeschool student… what most people don’t realize is that, in many places, as long as you’re over 16 and can prove college readiness with an ACT or SAT score, you can register directly with the CC for an evening, on-line or summer school course (to accommodate your current high school schedule). You have options!