how bad is it if i have bad senior grades

<p>How would a C- first quarter for AB Calc affect admissions?
What if I received a B+/A- 2nd quarter?
Would it look better to colleges if I improved from a C- to a B+ in AB Calc or if I just dropped down to regents math and got an A+?
Thank You!</p>

<p>don't drop to regents.</p>

<p>move your C as high as it can go. </p>

<p>if you aren't applying to engineering/physics, adcoms will probably give you a little leeway with AP calc (moreso than say...english) because it can be a very difficult class.</p>

<p>Colleges treat the mid-year senior report differently. Some colleges won't make a decision without it. Other colleges will only go look for it in borderline cases. In such a case, they may call your GC.</p>

<p>HS transcripts are all formatted differently depending on school district, but they typically only contain semester grades and not quarter grades. Ask your GC for a copy just to see what is on it. It probably doesn't have first quarter grades.</p>

<p>Depending on where you are applying (HYPSM?), you do not want to have a C. A HYPSM-type school could pull your acceptance if they find out at the end of the year that you got a C. I would actually play it safe and get out of the AP Calc. The advantage you have in having an extra AP course in senior year is outweighed by the risk you are taking in getting a possible C. This is particularly true if the hs transcript won't show the first quarter grade in AP Calc. You might talk to your GC depending on your high school and guidance department. A lot of high schools don't really understand the application process for the ultra-selective colleges.</p>

<p>think about it...are colleges really going to wait until 2nd semester to see if you did better? no. But they will know if you dropped to the lower math. Stick it out, talk to your counselor/teacher so they're prepared if the admissions folks decide to give them a little call.</p>

<p>I think it depends alot on what the 1st semester grade is. It is unlikely that your transcript will show the 1st quarter grade. If the 1st quarter and 2nd quarter average out to a B, there is no problem.</p>

<p>Do HYP and other selective colleges make their decision based on your senior grades, assuming everything else is fine? Suppose I have good test scores, ECs, essays, recommendations, but 4 Bs at the end of the first semester? Will I be out of the race?</p>

<p>Yes they make decisions based on your senior grades if not at mid year, definitely at the end of the year where a mjor slide in grades can result in rescinding your admissions, loss or merit money or starting your college career on academic probation.</p>

<p>To the OP, Colleges want to see that you are taking the most rigerous couses possible and doing well. If you are thinking about dropping to regents math, my assumption is that you are from NYS. Keep in mind that NYers are part of the largest pool of applicants and there will be many who have taken AP calc and will have done well. IF you have time to turn things around, I would suggest getting a tutor and doing problem sets over the winter break.</p>

<p>So will 4 Bs really hurt my admission chance? Ouch!</p>