Hi,
I’m in seventh grade, and the first trimester of the year is just closing out. I have relatively good grades overall, except for math, where my average is a 90. There is no extra credit, and really there’s nothing I can do about it at this point. My parents have worked me up about this; is it really going to affect my chances of getting into a good school? Also, it’s worse because since I’m Asian, being good at math is kind of a prerequisite. I just want to know how much grades really matter in the admissions process.
Wow, you’re in seventh and you’re already worrying about admissions? Holy jesus.
Also, it mostly depends on how the 90 will show up on your transcript. For me, a 90 is an A, and would show up as an A on my overall transcript. Schools don’t look at the specific numbers, just the letter grade for the semester/trimester. As long as you’re getting A’s, you should be set! (If you go to one of those privates that starts their A’s at 92, then just work on getting it up a few points. Idk, maybe extra credit?)
Also, as a part-asian, i get that. Don’t feel pressured to be great at a subject you aren’t passionate about. (I mean, still try hard in every subject tho lol.) But, find the areas you excel in and work on those, too!
@mediocrates As a mom I’m concerned that you’re reaching out on social media at such a young age and in such a vulnerable position. I would suggest if you aren’t comfortable speaking with your parents, please reach out to your school counselor or other trusted adult (like a teacher) to discuss your concerns. Please just do your best and speak with a trusted adult who can help you put all of this in perspective.
When I was in middle school, I felt like you. I ended the year with a B+ in a class, and I was devastated because I thought it would reflect negatively on me. Looking back, I realized how unproductive it was for me to stress over this grade. If there’s nothing you can do at this point, than the best thing is to accept it and move on. Plus, I can assure you that an A- in one quarter will not affect at you all. I don’t think any colleges even look at middle school grades in the first place (and at this point, that shouldn’t be your focus in the first place).
With very few exceptions, colleges don’t look at middle school grades. You’re going to be fine.
90 is an A and a terrific grade. Good for you! You’ll be fine. Congratulations on your excellent grades and try not to worry: colleges don’t look at middle school grades.
Are you talking about college admissions or prep school admissions?
Regardless, a 90 is NOT a bad grade. Locking yourself into that kind of thinking will make you stressed and miserable throughout your school experience.
I’m sorry you are dealing with the Asian = good at math stereotype. It’s silly to say the least.
I hope you have someone to talk to irl. It sounds like there’s a lot of pressure and stress In your life.
For college, I don’t think anyone cares about middle school grades. In fact, I remember my daughter realizing once she got to high school she was sort of “starting over” and wondering why she had stressed so much about perfect grades in middle school.
I would like to REALLY encourage you not to get too stressed out about 90%. I get why good grades are important to you but one 90% is going to have little impact on where you end up in life!
OP’s other threads refer to prep (high) school admissions.
This only matters if you are applying to specialized or competitive high schools. And even then, a 90 in math isn’t a bad grade. If all your other grades are higher, it just shows that either different subjects are your stronger suits, or that you have a verrrry tough math teacher this year, LOL. Either way, don’t worry. It’s only 7th grade. College admissions officers will more than likely never see your middle school grades- for good or for bad. And anyone in high school admissions realizes that YOU are more than one math score.
Best wishes!
Thank you so much for all of the feedback and help—yes, I did mean high school admissions.