<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I am a junior international student hoping to apply to some of the more elite colleges in the States. I am taking AP Calculus BC right now, and am getting a 86% average--an A in our standards, but much lower than my other grades. I am worried that this low grade would affect my average, and therefore affect my admission chances. </p>
<p>I know it's holistic, but how much would this grade affect me?</p>
<p>Sorry I meant that I am getting a 86% in BC only, overall my average is 96-97</p>
<p>bumpty bump</p>
<p>What is your intended major? I think one sub par grade will not keep you out of a specific school. And your SAT, EC, recommendations, essays matter.</p>
<p>I plan to major in Biology or Business, and my SAT is pretty good–2250, plus excellent Ecs.</p>
<p>The 86 in Calculus BC will be noted because it shows where you started to slip, which might indicate your ceiling in a sense. But, you’re not planning to be a math or physics major, so it might not matter with everything else being great. The only issues might be whether or not you can successfully complete the math courses, such as at Caltech or MIT, and whether there are equally outstanding and otherwise similar students who have BC grades 10-12 points higher vying for the same spot. I would focus on bringing that grade up to be thorough about things, but I would still apply with confidence and highlight your individual strengths well. Make sure that you apply to safeties as well as it’s not unusual for well qualified students to not get into any top schools but still get great admissions to schools that are a notch lower but still very highly respected.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot! I don’t think my final grade will end up as 86%, more likely around 90% due to my higher average in first term. 
But I am just really really nerve-wrecked–hoping that it doesn’t show me as a weak student.</p>