So I am basically an All A student. I got one B in journalism Freshman year, but that’s pretty insignificant (since I am Senior Editor of the Newspaper now) however, all my other B’s have been in math. I got two b’s in Pre calculus sophomore year and got 1 B and 1 C in AP BC Calc (my teacher did not teach for the AP test, so I didn’t take it) The C is second semester. I am stuck between retaking it at school senior year of just moving on and taking Calc 3, which at my school is an computer class since we can’t afford a teacher. I also am applying as a business major, and I am wondering if my blah math skills will affect me. Should I even bother to apply to skills like UPenn now? Yuck.
Thank You for any advice!
GPA: unweighted 3.82, weighted 4.2. Rank 13th/495
Obviously, as you surely know, a C isn’t great, but a single C one semester in an extremely difficult class that isn’t even related to your intended major won’t kill your chances at UPenn or similar schools by itself. As long as the rest of your application is still competitive, and your rank is still high (which it is), you still have a chance at competitive schools. Calculus is hard, and even the top-tier schools understand that. Just make sure everything else is up to par. Good luck!
thank you! But do you think I should move on or retake it?
I would move on and try to excel as much as possible in Calc 3 to make up for the C.
I would probably just move on unless you don’t think you can handle Calc 3. Also, still apply to the schools you want. As long as you have a safety, the worst that can happen is you don’t get in. That’s the same result as not applying.
I agree with most of what has been said, with one possible caveat. If you have a desire to master the material in BC Calc, then I suggest retaking it. If similar past experiences are any guide, you will find it much easier the second time around, and quite possibly you will actually understand the material on a deeper level. To the extent it erases the “C” (not literally but it would show admissions you don’t take mediocre results lightly), I think it can only help you in that regard. And if I am right and you do feel you understand the material at a greater level, you could even try test prepping for the AP exam and do well, even though the course isn’t being taught to the test.
JMHO, FWIW @Igotbighair .
thank you everyone! 