Can I get into Wellesley College with one C in a math class (I want to be an English major)?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Wellesley College
1

So I applied Early Decision to Wellesley, and it’s my longtime dream to attend. I have generally good grades, but last year (11th grade) I got a C in the first semester of my Honors Precalculus class. Although I managed to pull off a B the next semester, I’m still worried the C will hurt me in the admissions process.

My unweighted GPA is a 3.76, and my weighted GPA is a 4.45 (I’ve taken 4 APs so far, and I’m taking 4 more this year. I’ve gotten 5s on all the tests). I also scored a 1510/1600 on the SAT. In my application, I made it very clear that I want to pursue English and writing (subjects in which I’ve done very well), and I’m sure my recommendations testify to this fact. I’ve also been told that my essays are very strong, and that they clearly convey my passion for literature. Since my extracurriculars are mostly writing-oriented, and I’ve been successful with writing both in and out of school (I was accepted to a competitive summer program; I’ve also won several awards), would the C in math really make a big difference? I’ve always taken AP/ honors courses in math and science, and I hope the admissions committee recognizes that my C was in a really challenging upper level math class, that I didn’t drop out of the class when I struggled, and that I persevered and improved the next semester.

Thanks so much for your help!

2

I’d say you are in good shape. Your test scores are in the top 25% of admitted students, so the large majority of students had test scores lower than yours. Your weighted GPA is good and you seem to have taken a rigorous selection of courses in your high school career. So on paper, you are quite competitive, even with the one “C”.

Now, of course you realize that admission to Wellesley is extremely competitive for ALL applicants, so it’s a long shot regardless of your stats. Last year (class of 2021) was the most competitive ever for admission to Wellesley. For reference:
https://www.wellesley.edu/admission/aar/resources/stats
https://www.wellesley.edu/sites/default/files/assets/departments/admission/pdf/admission_report2016.pdf

Good luck!

3

@magtf1 Thank you for your help!

4

Current student here. I was accepted with an nearly identical GPA and low Bs in several math/science courses. As long as your essays and ECs are good, this shouldn’t be a limiting factor.

5

@txndebater Thank you! I hope you’re right!