<p>Hello all. I just want to ask if there is a possibility that MIT will accept me with a C+ on my transcript for Algebra II. I had just taken it this summer, and I am a rising sophomore. Despite this abysmal grade, I really do love math. I have won several local math competitions and have even qualified for the USAJMO. But then summer rolled along, and I felt like I should have been in a more challenging math course than the one that I have been assigned to, so my guidance counselor has requested that I take Algebra II at the local college. At first I had found it to be very easy, but then I stopped putting in effort and had resulted in a C+. No other grades on my transcript so far is below an A, and I have learned from my mistake. </p>
<p>I also have developed a very strong passion for MIT when I had visited the campus for HMMT. I saw several students that were very happy there, and that they are all hard workers that were passionate about what they love. I would like to be in that community when I go off to college, and I just want to know if that is possible for me. Thank you for your time.</p>
<p>It’s possible, but it’s going to be an uphill battle.</p>
<p>I agree with Mollie.</p>
<p>My worry is not really the C+ itself. You’re a rising sophomore - you have three years to prove you can do math. Take AP Calc (or calc at a local college if you don’t have calc at your school). But primarily, you need to show you’re a hard worker/passionate too.</p>
<p>Aside from making sure to excel in math classes, I would think about how you want to spend your summers/free time and how you can utilizing them best.</p>
<p>^^ What are some the specific ways one can productivley spend a summer? (Please do not respond with “something you are passionate about doing”)</p>
<p>^ Here’s a few for starters: [Summer</a> Programs | MIT Admissions](<a href=“http://mitadmissions.org/apply/prepare/summer]Summer”>Summer programs | MIT Admissions)</p>
<p>Don’t take summer classes unless you are really gung ho about them. </p>
<p>You may be better off doing things that are fun. This could intersect with college admissions, but it doesn’t have to. Do you have other interests you would like to explore? Maybe a summer league for a sport, for instance. Or going hiking… It could be anything.</p>
<p>For elite admissions, you probably do need to do something clearly productive the summer before senior year. </p>
<p>And the best way to have a productive activity is to build off of something that you enjoy anyway. Now is the time to explore your interests. In a couple of years, this could lead to a productive EC. Maybe you enjoy rock climbing. In a couple of years maybe you could be an instructor. But right now focus on doing things you enjoy. And remember, this is the last time where it’s ok to take off your summers.</p>
<p>Thank you all for your responses, and I am happy to know that I still have a chance! I’ll do my best to make my high school years extremely memorable.</p>
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<p>And what did you learn? The problem is the attitude that leads to the mistake. That also needs correcting.</p>