How Important are First Semester Grades?

<p>Ok, can someone try to help answer my question? I'm freaking out and i'm starting to get worried about admissions.
I decided to take AP Chemistry this year since I want to pursue Chemical Engineering; my grades in other classes are fine, A's and High B's ...but I have a 69% in AP Chem and its really kicking my a**. I've never gotten anything below a B in my life, and now Im worried my top schools wont accept me because I'm doing poorly in the class. My top Schools are Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Penn State, Stevens Institute and University of Delaware which aren't too competitive compared to Ivy Leagues or other schools, but Engineering in general is very competitive. </p>

<p>I guess what I'm asking is, what are my chances of being accepted into any of these schools in I get a D, or hopefully a C-, in one class for 1st marking period of Senior year? </p>

<p>Generally, everyone is allow one black mark on their record if everything else is okay - though you’re of course better off not having one. But you need to ask yourself why you’re getting a low mark? Not time to panic yet, there might be many reasons for it, but struggling in a fundamental class, in fact intro level for your major, is perhaps a signal that maybe you should consider going in another direction. You wouldn’t be the first person to encounter this problem.</p>

<p>Thanks for the reply. I guess I haven’t been doing all that I can to prepare myself for the class, I’ve been so busy sending out applications that I guess I took some classes for granted. I’ve known for a long time that I want to pursue engineering, Its what I love. I’m just worrying that I will now be put at a disadvantage, which I guess I’m truly to blame since I should have done more to prepare. But once again, thank you for the advice. </p>

<p>the same thing happened to me. my guidance counselor had suggested I drop the class since I still had time where it would not show up on my transcript. However, now since I no longer have a science in my senior year I am concerned it will probably drop my rankings. Someone did tell me that if you can at least pull off a C its better then not having the science class on your transcript. I will be applying to some of the same schools. Good luck!</p>

<p>Try to get a handle on it as soon as possible. Get help. </p>

<p>My son is in chem eng. at Penn State. He told me that what he learned roughly in one semester in HS was taught in 2 1/2 -3 weeks in Chem class. It moves very fast. These lower level classes are used to weed out students. So get a good understanding of the Chem class now.</p>