C in Junior Year-- how do I make the best of this?

Applying to College
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<p>A sincere thanks to anyone who takes the time to reply to this incoming block of text; this issue has caused a lot of anxiety and honestly, any input is extremely appreciated. </p>

<p>Summary: Got a C in AP Calc AB in my 2nd semester of Junior Year (I know, ouch). I've made steps to make the best of it, but would still appreciate some advice.</p>

<p>A few details/background before I get into the issue:
I'm definitely not the strongest math student:
-B in Honors Pre-Calc (2nd semester, soph year) and AP Calc AB my first semester.
-4 on the AP Calc AB test
-760 Math SAT</p>

<p>I'm a highly involved (Top 5% GPA) student in an east coast school that is ranked well nationally. I'm known among my fellow peers as being extremely dedicated (read: obsessed) with my extracurricular activities-- which include holding an executive position in a non-profit organization, competing nationally/internationally in various organizations, and instructing multiple levels of public speaking classes with students that compete on the national circuit. I truly love what I do outside of school, which 99% of the time is absolutely wonderful.</p>

<p>But then there's that 1%.
Second semester is always a busy time. I spend a majority of my weekends (and several weekdays) travelling to compete-- all the while developing curriculum for my classes, doing administrative work for my branch of the non-profit, and trying to keep on top of classwork. Looking back, this schedule during my sophomore year is what caused me to get that B in Pre-Calc. In junior year, the combination of that schedule, multiple AP courses, and (ESPECIALLY) family issues caused me so much stress that I just couldn't handle it.
A lot of very big things happened in my life that caused me to seriously question my priorities (mid-high school life crisis, I suppose, haha). It caused me to drop the ball on a lot of academic responsibilities, and my grades for that semester, while not /awful/, are not stellar.</p>

<p>That C in Calc, however, is downright awful.
I ended up retaking Calc B over the summer. I'm currently in AP Calc BC, and it looks like I'm going to end up with an A.</p>

<p>However, I can't help but feel like that C is going to significantly damage my chances (if there are any) of getting into top-tier HYPSM universities. It also doesn't help that my intended major is significantly math based (econ). For someone who worked so hard throughout high school, I can't help but feel angry that I decided to screw up in "the most important semester of HS".</p>

<p>Obviously, being a senior, I'm not sure if there is much left to do. I'm just wondering if there's anything else that is possible (ways to talk about the issue in my common app essay/things to avoid saying, etc). Any words from the other side of the HS/college-app tunnel would be appreciated as well. Thanks again :)</p>

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<p>

This is good and you should continue to question those priorities, which to me just seem like a stress treadmill toward a finish line that will never appear.

Why must you get into these universities? What is it about you, and them? You seem like a “smart” kid but it doesn’t seem that you are thinking very deeply about life. There are some key words and phrases in your post: “anxiety”, “obsessed,” “so much stress that I couldn’t handle it,” “angry” that are red flags. Please continue to question your priorities, because IMHO you may be headed toward an unhappy and unfulfilled life.</p>

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<p>@snarlatron‌
I appreciate the comment. Please keep in mind that this one post about a very specific and negative point in my life (which obviously extends beyond one grade in one class) is not an accurate representation to create overarching assumptions off of-- although I see how certain aspects of my post may cause you to.</p>

<p>“Obsessed” refers to actual passion for what I do. I enjoy my extracurricular activities much, much more than attending a lunch meeting, is all I’m trying to say. I agree that the other terms appear to be more problematic.</p>

<p>Junior year definitely caused me to reevaluate my priorities. Contrary to what you suggest, I’m not a GPA obsessed, AP-taking, “‘smart’ kid” resume robot. These things hold an importance, (we’re on CC, after all,) but are not things that consume my life. Getting into these universities has never been a must, but please understand that my cultural upbringing, among other factors, still causes me to still hold some “anger” (definitely used too extreme wording) over the issue. </p>

<p>I think what I’m trying to say is that in the very narrow slice of life that is college applications, this is something that I would like some more input on. At the very least, it’s a nice to gain some perspective from people such as yourself, so thank you for your input!</p>

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<p>I think you’ve already taken the right steps for making the best of it. You’ve proved that you can handle the material by getting an A in a more difficult math class, have standardized test scores that refute the notion you’re not a good math student, and the rest of your grades are fine. You’ve done the best you can, and I wouldn’t worry about that C anymore–don’t let it define you.</p>

<p>For what it’s worth, I don’t think your post set off any red flags. It’s fine to have a dream school. Most people do, whether they’re willing to admit it or not, and I find that setting the bar high is a good way to actually achieve it. And getting a C is stressful–I get that. I was in your position first semester senior year, incidentally also with Calc AB, and floundering. But you’re handling it much better than I did, haha. </p>

<p>I think you’re going to be fine. You seem to have a good head on your shoulders and it seems like the rest of your application is on track. At this point, focus on the things you * can * change, such as your application, essays, or midyear grades. </p>

<p>Best of luck! I’ll be rooting for you. </p>

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<p>@Coriander23‌
Thank you; I truly appreciate the kind words and advice. :)</p>