<p>I'm a rising junior who is looking at the Ivy League and other Div. 1 schools. This year I took a higher level math course and in hindsight I am totally regretting it, as the first two terms I've received B's, and this term I got a C. I did not handle the course well and had difficulty balancing my workload (on top of which I'm quite weak in math...). The rest of my grades are a mix of A's and B's, and I have an SAT I score of 2250, with a perfect verbal.</p>
<p>As far as my athletics goes, I'm pretty strong in my sport. I've looked at the times for the Ivy League meets for last year and I could place in the top three in several events. My best event I could have won. The coaches I've talked to so far were pretty enthusiastic. </p>
<p>Should I tell the coaches about the C grade? Or maybe start looking at some other schools would be best?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>You should tell them and see how they react. Of course it should be better to get a worse grade in harder course, but it doesn’t always shake out that way. Is your math SAT over 700?
I don’t think you are sunk, but best to be upfront.Then you’ll know what your strategy should be.</p>
<p>Have you already submitted to these Ivy coaches unofficial transcripts and gotten an admissions pre-read? If so, and their enthusiasm was based on that result, then by all means send them an updated transcript and inform them about the C. Also, if you provided them with your exact GPA and this grade will lower it a lot, then I’d also tell them.</p>
<p>If not, then you want to manage your image and keep it positive. When you do submit your transcripts for a pre-read, which you will have to do as a junior, admissions will see your grades and can then determine how they feel about the C. Your junior year courseload and grades will be very important, so focus on working hard.</p>
<p>It is a fine line. Ivy Admissions committees want to see a student take the most challenging classes and they want to see mostly A’s and some B’s. No doubt it is tough. I don’t think one “c” is going to sink you, but I would absolutely avoid getting another. Your SATs are strong, and your sport times are strong. As a junior, focus in on those schools you are most interested in as well as some backup schools. You’ll quickly figure out where your best fit is as you reach out to these schools and they reach out to you.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>I second all the advice above but remember that on most transcripts, only final grades are shown, not quarter/semester grades. the exception, being first quarter senior grades… but tell the coaches, if they know of the issue and still want you they will know how to work it through admissions.</p>