Failed Class

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi, I'm going to be a junior in the fall of 2010, and I'm really scared that I may have already messed up my chances of getting into a top school. This summer I was scheduled to take my school's required computer course over the summer so that I wouldn't have to squeeze it into my schedule during the school year. School policy dictates that if you are late/missing for four or more days, you are dropped from the class and a failing grade appears on your transcript. In the beginning of the course, I had to miss two days to attend a national debate tournament and one day to take my road test. This morning I was sick (seriously!) and I ended up coming an hour late. Now I've been dropped from the class and most likely will receive an F. </p>

<p>So far, my transcript has been nearly perfect! All honors and AP classes, all A's except for one B+ in Pre-Calculus. I'm a hardworking student with a lot of ECs (Community Service Club, Debate, two years of attending Intel International Science Fair, National History Day, and JV Volleyball). My guidance counselor says the F won’t be factored into my GPA, and that he can write colleges a note explaining why I “failed” the course. Still, there’s going to be a failing grade on my transcript! I’ve been freaking out all day! Have I completely sabotaged my chances at Stanford, my dream school?</p>

2

<p>Don’t overreact. Try talking it over w/your guidance counselor & see if you can get the entire class removed from your transcript. If that doesn’t work, having the guidance counselor explain the situation is not a bad option either.</p>

3

<p>If it is required, don’t you have to take it again? Wouldn’t the new grade replace the summer grade?</p>

4

<p>Why would you schedule your road test during this class? That one was totally avoidable.</p>

<p>In all honesty, chances of getting into Stanford without a hook are so minute, you’re worried about the wrong thing. This should not hurt your chances at a top school if your counselor is prepared to say it was not a big deal. Good wake up call though, consider all of your decisions carefully.</p>