<p>I posted this in the "College Admissions" forum, but was hoping parents could also give me some perspective. I was waitlisted at a Top20 school that is my number one choice. I understand that my chance of being accepted off this waitlist is almost zero. However, the school wants my third marking period grades and I got my lowest grade in my life this marking period- a C+ (about a 78.3%) in regular physics. I have never ever had a C of any kind...ever and I am truly embarrassed by it. The thing is, I actually have the 4th or 5th highest grade in the class. We had a grade-wide (regular-AP classes) engineering project that almost everyone failed. My group put in so much time and effort, but none of us have any real engineering skills. Does this ruin any hope I had at all of getting off the waitlist? Will the university take into consideration the fact that it was the 3rd marking period of my senior year? I am writing them a letter that says that if I am accepted, I will attend their school next year. Is there a way to address this without sounding whiny or like I am making excuses? I applied for a humanities major and my math/science grades have always been the weakest part of my transcript. I'd appreciate any help/opinions. Thanks!</p>
<p>I don't think they will even look at your C+ in making their likely "non-decision" - they have much bigger fish to fry, like making sure they have a second-string quarterback; a third oboe; or can balance the financial aid budget.</p>
<p>I wouldn't say anything about it at all. You need to make the case as to why they should accept you over 300+ other waiting and willing applicants. And if you can't make that case, there is no reason to believe there is anyone else there who will make it for you. How is talking about a single grade (a relatively poor one) on your third marking period a selling point?</p>
<p>I would share the love on Number 2. In October, it will likely be #1 in any case.</p>
<p>"Will the university take into consideration the fact that it was the 3rd marking period of my senior year?"</p>
<p>No idea, but when our waitlist letter said, send us your updated transcript immediately, my d's reaction was, "well, I guess I'm declining the waitlist; I'm done jumping through hoops...that's just not happening".....she somewhat crashed during midterm exams (they weren't listed on midyear report) and, while recovered, is certainly not performing to the level of her first 7 semesters......</p>
<p>IMO, you don't really have a choice but to send the grades if you want to remain on the waitlist.....But you'll really never know why you did or did not get pulled off; you could have had straight A's but been from a demographic they didn't need to fill....or straight C's from someone they desparately needed to fill a quota and "round out their class"....</p>
<p>Send them, forget about it and don't worry about it.....Love your other choices.....</p>