<p>I'm going to be a senior. I've had good grades during my HS career, except that in 10th grade I took an Advanced Algebra 2 class and got a C in the first semester (actually, it was a 79.4). I dropped out to go to an easier, less difficult algebra 2 class and ended up with a B. Even though it was in 10th grade, and the most important year for colleges like the UCs is junior year(even though 10th and 11th are both looked at), I'm worried this will weigh very heavily to my disadvantage. I look at it like this 1) I got a C 2) I droped out of a class and 3) compared to other students (colleges evaluate you with others, don't they?) in my class for 10th grade, many got better grades (although some of them were in the easier algebra class). Please, tell me what are your opinions on this ? Should I not even be worried, or should I keep it in mind since it was in 10th grade, an important year that colleges definitely consider.</p>
<p>i think you need not worry so much. it WAS an advanced course, and you did make the decision to move to a lower level so that you could improve your grade... which DID happen. </p>
<p>most applications have a box where they ask you to explain anything about your academic record that might need clarification... go ahead and explain your situation in that box.</p>
<p>thanks, kenmarksnj, thats a good sign. Do you know if that "explain your academic record" box is limited to a few colleges, or is it virtually widespead ? Do you know if UCs and HYPS have these boxes ?</p>