How will a C in highschool affect my admission in college?

<p>Hi so I just took a final in math and I recieved a really low grade that brought me to a C. Im in adv. Algebra 2 and I was put in that class without taking algebra 1 because I didnt need that class. I had a B in first semester now I have a C. I had a 4.0 last year(freshman) and this year (sophomore) I kept all A's except in APUSH, a B, and another B in algebra last semester. This semester I have A's in all other classes except a B in APUSH and a C in algebra. I do a lot of community service a I am in two clubs, a mentor, in national honor society,newspaper, and the health careers program. I will be taking 5 more AP classes in the next two years. Do you think this C will affect my transcript and college applications greatly if I want to apply to a public yet a little competitive university? I still have a 3.5+ GPA and this is my only semester with a C! :((( I appreciate the help in answering this!</p>

<p>Life goes on after C’s. What’s done is done. Just move on from here, and always do your best. That’s all you can do.</p>

<p>A 3.5 with lots of APs…I don’t think one C is going to keep you out of college. ;)</p>

<p>Hang in there and keep studying.</p>

<p>Thanks for your answer :)</p>

<p>A 3.5 is a solid GPA and nothing to be ashamed of. Here in CA, that and solid test scores will get you into most CSUs (not CalPoly or SDSU but virtually all others). That said, if you want to go to a school like UCB or UCLA - you need to get better grades. Most of their non-athlete admits have better than a 4.0.</p>

<p>Perhaps you are scheduled too thin. Maybe a little less time on the extras and more on your core studies.</p>

<p>Regardless of the grade, I recommend that you do some math review to make sure that you’re ready for the next level. Math is, generally, cumulative. If you move forward without a solid foundation, it will impeded your progress. This is exactly what you experienced in this case, due to your acceleration. Unless you plan to abandon math early, you’ll need to fill in the gaps in your preparation. </p>

<p>You can assess your readiness for the next level of math by taking this practice test online. [MDTP</a> - Mathematical Analysis Readiness Test](<a href=“http://mdtp.ucsd.edu/test_new/?show_instructions=4]MDTP”>http://mdtp.ucsd.edu/test_new/?show_instructions=4) It is offered by the CSUs and UCs. Once you see what you’re having trouble with, look up those subjects on Khan Academy and start filling in your gaps.</p>

<p>If you follow this plan and improve your math performance, this would be a great essay topic (or part of an essay) for your college applications. It would 1)explain your low math grade, 2)demonstrate your ability to handle challenges/adversity, and 3)show that you are independent and able to take charge of your education instead of being pushed to perform by others. In the end, how you respond to this poor grade could make a strength out of a liability.</p>

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Apparently you did.</p>

<p>Maybe a little extra study over the summer would be a good idea. Just to get back on the right path.</p>

<p>There is wisdom in MiraBileDictu’s reply.</p>

<p>G’Luck</p>

<p>I got a couple of C’s in high school and I still went to a great college. Don’t worry about it.</p>

<p>Ditto the math review suggestions. You need to learn all you can this summer to have the knowledge base you would have by getting A’s in both Algebra courses. Bite the bullet, other expressions and just get caught up. It will make your future easier.</p>

<p>Son made the mistake of thinking the in class precalculus review in the fall of his AP calculus was good enough to ace the SAT II math test- he was wrong. That’s ancient history by now- post BS with Honors in math et al. But- may have made a difference in college acceptances.</p>

<p>Ask your guidance counselor if you should address it in any supplements (not your main college essay). Last time I posted that question, I got a lot of negative responses – “why draw attention to it? It’s just a C” and so on, but if you feel that it warrants explanation and you’ve learned something about how you study or how you could have done better, then it might be worth addressing in a supplement. Again – not your main essay topic.</p>

<p>Everyone thank you so much for answering and all of your suggestions. I will definitly be doing the math review this summer. I just got my report card and it said a B for Adv. Algebra II :D:D but that doesn’t mean I won’t be doing a review for math I still struggle with it. But thank you! :)</p>

<p>I’m really glad you got that B. But, I’m glad you’re going to do the review. The more comfortable you can be with where you’ve been already, the better off you are with math.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

<p>@poetgrl thank you! :)</p>