Can I get into T20s (UPenn, MIT, Caltech, Duke, GATech, CMU, etc) with a 3.7 GPA?

Chance Me / Match Me!
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I have a 1580 SAT, AIME qualifications and achievement roll, and 5s in Calculus. I also have As for the most part besides chem, physics, and statistics (where I got an A+ at a university, and 5 on the exam). But due to the passing of my boyfriend during summer, I ended up getting an F in a dual enrollment Calc III course.

Can I still get in? How do I explain this in the additional info section? Should I put some proof?

Does this completely ruin my application :(?

You can PM me for details on my application. Thanks

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Those are tough schools anyway - and your app is more than grades. AIME is impressive. However, you failed a math class.

Are you able to retake the class (Calc 3). What did you get in AB/BC, etc?

You can note the passing of your boyfriend - either within an essay or the additional info section.

Like everyone, have a balanced school list. These schools were reaches regardless - well you didn’t say the major but I’m going to guess CS.

You need a balanced list including your state flagship and others.

You’ll be fine - whether at a top top school or not - it’s all about you, not your school.

Sorry to hear of your situation but time heals and I bet you’ll do great!!

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I simply don’t have the time to retake it as I am a senior. I have 5s in both AB and BC as well as As.

What do you think of my chances for GA tech and northwestern?

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Have you contacted the school where you were taking Calc 3 to see whether you can have the grade removed from your record due to the death of your boyfriend?

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Are you taking any math senior year?

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I just messaged my counselor, but I kind of doubt they would agree

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Differential equations at a university

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Ok. I guess Calc III is not a prerequisite. At my university we had to follow the course outline and retake anything we failed before we could move on.

You failed Calc 3. It is what it is. You mention your extenuating circumstances (I’m so sorry BTW) and hope for the best. Make sure you have some nice matches and safeties that you would be happy to attend. It’s much harder to find those than a bunch of T20. But maybe with some research you’ll find yourself becoming excited for a school not on the T20- the horror!!! (that’s sarcasm which is hard to read online :wink:)

Good luck!

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So I’ll put this out there - and I don’t know the answer.

But if it’s at a university and not dual enrollment - can’t she just omit it?

When I got my masters, i had taken some grad classes previously at a different school. I had to leave for a job transfer.

I simply acted as if it didn’t exist.

Not sure if this is the case here - i.e. you need a transcript from the school for other classes, etc.

We don’t know all about you - you are more than academics - ECs, rank, essays, LOR, etc.

I think you still apply to these but again, even if you got an A in Calc 3, you still need matches and none of these are.

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Never fall in love with any school.

I don’t think great - but we are not admissions counselors. We are amateurs.

Put your best foot forward. If it happens, great. If not, have some matches.

What is your home state.

What you’ve gone through is terrible and in the grand scheme of things, if you go to a school you perceive as lesser (doesn’t mean it is), you’ll be fine.

Good luck to you.

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I know the UCs explicitly ask for all classes taken at any college or university, but I’m not sure about the Common App.

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A single F shouldn’t bring an entire 3-year high school GPA down 0.3 points.

As for the most part besides chem, physics, and statistics

Indicates lower grades in these core courses, plus others.

A 3.7 GPA will be a challenge at most selective schools. Assuming the F is included in your current GPA calculation, what is you GPA if it is excluded.

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It is 3.9. For physics I got a 5 on the AP exam, and for statistics a 5 on the exam + an A+ at a university class. In freshman year I did get a B in chem but no explanation for that

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No you can’t omit. You need to submit all transcripts.

If I were OP I’d try to get a retroactive withdrawal and gave the GC explain the situation with the BF’s passing (I’m terribly sorry fir your loss OP).

These schools are reaches for everyone. Shoot your best shot but make sure you have great matches and safeties you are happy to attend.

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Ok. Wasn’t sure and comment was based it on being the only school.

@buridan you are focused on the wrong thing.

Take care of you first and foremost. Mentally.

But keep up your studies. Ensure you have balance outside the classroom.

Admissions is a crapshoot. Chicago took a 20 ACT for example even though their 25/75 is 34-35.

One never knows. The ivies routinely turn down perfect students.

You are more than grades, rigor and test score. You are you.

All you can do is let them know who you are.

While you’ve been through trauma and it’s ok to mention, I also suggest you focus on the positives and show them what you’ve accomplished, and how you will be able to overcome and contribute.

Also some schools, such as Arizona, look at x # of core classes and will likely not count the F so it’s in one well above what’s required. And you’d get great merit at a school like that.

I wish you nothing but success.

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OP posted an update:

So I am closing this one.