<p>Just wondering what you think colleges really think about poor marks in 8th grade? In hindsight we should have had S retake algebra, but we didn't and now regret it. Without that, he is in the mid-3s (3.5 perhaps?) but with it, much lower. As a sophomore he's clearly got time to add grades and mitigate the effect, but it's still there. We aren't looking at Top 20 schools but schools where his GPA needs to be 3.6 or 3.7ish. Ideas? Experiences?</p>
<p>They don’t investigate middle school records.</p>
<p>Colleges only look at high school records, unless he is currently taking a high school level class (that is designated as such) in middle school.</p>
<p>That’s the issue- it was algebra I and is on the transcript.</p>
<p>Why does the school put 8th grade classes on high school transcripts? Is it because they consider algebra I a high school course? Around here most kids take it in 8th grade and the high school transcript starts with 9th grade geometry. Can you petition to have it removed?</p>
<p>If he took the course in middle school, it’s not going to be on his high school transcript so the grade doesn’t matter at all. The real disadvantage would be if he is placed in a lower math class in high school. colleges look at course rigor so it wouldn’t reflect well if he was in the standard/lower class as opposed to the higher level course.</p>
<p>It actually depends on the school. My 8th grade math class is on my high school transcript. </p>
<p>Talk to the school about trying to remove it, but if you can’t don’t worry too much. One grade is not going to permanently sink his GPA, and colleges will put a greater emphasis on the later years anyway. Just talk to him about working harder next year and get him a tutor if he needs one and you have the means to. If not, look for upperclassmen to help him - a lot of then are looking for volunteer hours.</p>