<p>I've been browsing the forums for a while but a recent crisis of mine has left me a little panicked about the risk of my acceptance being rescinded at UC Berkeley. Throughout HS I've maintained a 3.92 cumulative GPA (4.0 scale), got a 2110 on my SAT, taken plenty of AP courses, but decided to be a little adventurous and pick up AP Calc this year (bad choice). First semester I managed to pull off a C but as second semester ticks to a close there is a chance I may end up with a D+ in the class.</p>
<p>Berkeley requires students maintain a 3.0 GPA unweighted for both semesters of senior year and avoid Ds and Fs.</p>
<p>I plan on contacting admissions as soon as grades are finalized if that is the case, but is there a chance the grade wouldn't impact my acceptance? I've never been a big math buff (and it's shown on my grades in past years), and didn't anticipate the difficulty level and genuinely have tried my best despite travelling nationally to compete in HS debate nearly every weekend from October through April.</p>
<p>Is my best bet to write a letter to the admissions office explaining the situation if I end up with a D?</p>
<p>It may in part depend on the major you intend. The rest of your record will also weigh in. </p>
<p>First, go talk to the teacher. Tell them you were accepted to Berkely and realize that by taking the class you were stretching a bit far but now may have lost your admission due to earning a low grade in the class. I have noticed that some teachers grade very generously in the final term for seniors, especially in such situations. Knowing your situation and that you were trying to stretch yourself but may lose your admission as a result may encourage leniency. </p>
<p>Once the grades come in and are final, if a D appears, write a letter explaining that you like to stretch yourself and took a chance taking the calculus class though math is not your strong suit. Say you’d rather find your limits than never know where they are. Point out that your major doesn’t require anywhere near that level of math ability and then focus on your accomplishments, drive and the unique characteristics you can bring to your class. If you are close enough, go see an admissions counselor personally if they will allow it. Not sure about that. At least call them first and ask if they would be willing to read your letter, probably sent in email form. Tell them you will send it right then and call back in a few days and ask if they received it and whether they had any questions or concerns. In the meantime, just to be safe, mentally list your options if your admission is rescinded. Be ready to move forward with another option if necessary but don’t assume it will be necessary. </p>
<p>Many people never dare take calculus so don’t beat yourself up. Just do what you can do, always putting a positive spin on things and learn from everything. When a door closes, a window opens.</p>
<p>A) Get a C instead of a D+
B) Even if you get the D+, you should be okay, but you may have to go on academic probation for a semester.
C) Don’t major in math.</p>
<p>If you haven’t taken the final, get someone to tutor you. Calculus is a skill based course, not reliant on memorization. One day of studying should be more than enough.</p>
<p>Hope that you are not majoring in anything math related and write a letter to admissions if you do even up with a D.</p>