How much will these first semester senior grades hurt me?

Applying to College
1

I’m an IB senior who had no free periods or study halls first semester. This is my courseload with my grades for each course:

Theory of Knowledge: Passed
IB 20th Century World History: A-
IB Literature HL: A
IB Physics SL: C+
Religion: A
IB Film HL Year 2: A
IB Spanish SL: A-
IB Math SL: A

The one C+ really demoralizes me. I had no senioritis. As a matter of fact, I believe I’ve worked harder this semester than any other in my high school career. Physics was simply a very tough class for me due to the nature of the teacher as well as some other factors, and I got a little unlucky due to small things in both Spanish and History which turned my grade into an A- for both of those subjects.

In my original chance me thread (my most recent thread), I was placed as a match for USC, Emory, and NYU, and a low reach for Notre Dame and Vandy. Do you think that these semester grades really hurt my chances? My UW GPA is 3.8, my SAT is 2180 (1430 M+R), and my ECs include starting a nonprofit, learning languages on my own/starting a language club, editor in chief of my school yearbook, holding a job during junior and senior year, playing a varsity sport, and more. My recommendations and essays both seem strong to me, and I’m Commended for the PSAT.

Anyways, do you think these grades will hurt my chances to those competitive colleges and/or bring about the appearance of senioritis?

Thanks in advance

2

I am no expert, but I don’t think this one grade will be a deal breaker. From what I have read on this website, it is the D or F grades during senior year that pose problems for students.

3

I know that is the case for those who have been accepted and are fearing rescindance of their admission, but I’m worried that since I have yet to be accepted, these grades will carry a greater consequence.

4

Giving this post a bump

5

I really can’t imagine that the C+ will make a difference, except for maybe a place like MIT. The rest of your grades are great. Don’t worry about it.

6

When it comes to the college admissions process it’s hard not to be worried! Haha thanks though, I appreciate the answer. I do hope that the consistency in the rest of my subjects shines through. Plus, physics isn’t related to my degree at all, as I hope to do business.

7

Bump!

8

I am applying to similar caliber schools and have A’s in all my classes, but a B- in Physics, and I’m not at all worried. If you’re applying to MIT / similar schools, then one bad grade in one class is 100 percent not going to make a difference at all.