I just found out I got a C+ in my first semester of Pre-Calculus. I am a junior, and this is the first C I have ever gotten. I still have an 4.0 weighted gpa, but I’m really worried that this C will seriously hurt my prospects.
If you are aiming for top 20 schools, it will hurt a lot.
I’m not aiming for top 20 schools, and I’m confident that I can do better next semester. Would it lessen the damage if if I improve next semester, or is the damage already done?
If you get a B for the year it won’t be a problem.
depends what schools are you looking at what’s your UNWEIGHTED GPA, what is the rigor of your schedule, also how good you do on the SAT/ACT
Ok, thanks. I really hope you’re right.
Best I can tell, colleges only see your end of the year grades, so if you can pull it up, they won’t see the C.
Yes, it may sting a bit if you are applying to top 20 schools, but if you can pull off an A in that class next semester, you should still be able to get into a great school. Can you explain why you got the C grade? Like did you slack off or go out partying too much?
Many college apps will have a section for you to explain such circumstances. If you have an explanation for this grade, provide it in that space. Don’t make excuses, but rather focus on how that shaped you as a person. For example, did you learn that you needed to get into the habit of starting homework early, or keep up with studying for exams instead of cramming?
I have a pretty rigorous schedule, and I got an A in another math class. My unweighted gpa is a 3.6, and I’m realistically aiming for a 2100 on the SAT.
@Squirg false. Colleges see whatever is posted to your transcript. Semester grades are always posted to the transcript in my experience.
I had a B+ going into the final, but I spent too much time preparing for other finals instead of this one. I absolutely bombed it, but just missed getting a B-. I finished with a 79.57 in the class. I don’t think an A next semester will be too difficult. If i work hard enough it’s definitely within reach.
“If you get a B for the year it won’t be a problem.”
Why not? What affect does the second semester grade have on the first?
Anyways, the C+ will hurt you at the most selective schools. My son didn’t have any Cs, but coaches who recruited him at the most selectives flat out said a few Bs are ok, but a C would “be a problem.”
But these are at the handful of most selective schools.
Such as?
@IM3838 Ivies, MIT, CalTech, Rice, Stanford, etc
yes, for us it was the Ivies and Little Ivies (Williams, Amherst, Swat) that said a C would present a problem.
My sense is once you get out of that super-selective group of 10-15 schools, a C isn’t necessarily disqualifying.
Ok, thanks
must depend on the school then; my daughter’s only has end year, not semester grades.