Hi CCers,
I’m a rising senior this year and I really messed up. I got a D+ in honors precalculus first semester, and will probably end up with a C- or maybe a C this semester if I really try. I slacked off and got really behind in the work. The rest of my grades are OK; all A’s and B’s, spare a C+ in AP Physics 1 first semester. My current average GPA is a 3.32 and my district doesn’t weight grades. I also switched schools during this time, which may have been a factor. Does this ruin my college chances? I’ve been looking at mostly large state schools (i.e. Washington State, Colorado State, Oregon State) and a few smaller, less selective privates. Should I just look at community college? I am taking another precalc class over the summer since I am planning on taking calculus next year and really need a refresher. I got a dismal 1220 on my PSAT and I expect maybe a 1310 tops when I get my scores back from the one I took in May (I studied a bit), but I’m super stressed out right now because of how badly I messed up with my GPA. I’m not involved in much outside of school besides working P/T either, (I quit lacrosse, I’m still kicking myself for it). Is there still hope for me to go to a 4-year University? Or should I settle on community college?
I think that large state schools are probably the right place for you to look. What state are you from?
You do need to understand that in math in particular what you learn today is very much based on what you learned yesterday and last week and last year. Thus you have to keep up at all times or you can run into a problem that is hard to dig yourself out of. As such, I think that taking a precalc class over the summer is a VERY good idea. Work hard at it and take it very seriously – do every problem assigned and if you are shaky with any of it go to the teacher for extra help – you will need what you learn in precalc.
Keep ahead next year and do the best that you can. Take some SAT preparation before taking the test. I expect that this will get you into a decent state school. Some of the ones that you listed are probably a good match for where you are right now.
Also, I don’t think that the large state schools are as hung up about ECs as the “prestigious” (ie, pretentious) tippy-top schools.
If you can maintain a 3.3 or higher, I think you can get into a decent state school. But closer to a 3.0 or below is dangerous territory. Study and get a good SAT score to compensate for a low GPA. Best of luck
Thanks for replying! I’m just really worried how a D will look on a transcript, since I don’t believe I am able to drop it after taking the class over the summer. I’m from Washington (western). I agree that EC’s are not as important for the large state schools with higher acceptance rates, due to how many applicants they get with extremely varying statistics. I was just wondering if it might play a role in the admissions process.
“I’m just really worried how a D will look on a transcript”
It is not good. However, if it is only one isolated D it just looks like something went wrong that was a one-time thing. Universities know that for many or most students something will go wrong at some point, and want to see that a student can overcome this.
It would not shock me if one or more of the universities that you apply to see the D, and decide to wait to get your mid-term grades senior year. If they then see that you are doing well at the mid-term both overall and in your calculus class senior year, then they will be able to see that the D was a one time thing and that you are over it.
I am not a college admissions person, and have never been one. However, my take on this is that you indeed as you said “messed up”, but I think that this is recoverable.
There are two things to focus on at this point. One is to have realistic goals in terms of universities. “Washington State, Colorado State, Oregon State” IMHO is realistic. The other is to catch up in math. I think that you have a good plan in this area also. Also, I think that “Washington State, Colorado State, Oregon State” are all probably significantly better for you than community college.
Good luck and best wishes!