I’m a junior in high school. I have maintained all As in Freshman year, and all of Sophomore year (2 honors classes- precalculus and chemistry). In the first semester of junior year, I got a “C” in AP Calculus BC and a “B” in AP Chemistry. I am also taking Java, and French Honors to give you an idea of my other courses this semester. I plan on talking about my slip in grades in my application, If I improve second semester junior year, will I still be a competitive candidate for top universities (disregarding the Ivy League)? Some honest answers would be much appreciated (please don’t sugar coat)- I can handle it!
I think the place to start, if you haven’t done so already, is to have a talk with your teachers in both of those courses. Figure out what is not working, and do your best to fix it.
Generally speaking, junior year grades are the most significant for college admissions. They show your hardest courses to date, and how you have done in them. You want to do your best, but there are many, many excellent universities that you can get into having gotten a C in calculus.
Thank you, MidwestDad3! I have spoken on a few occasions with both these teachers. My Calculus teacher tried to get me a seat in the AB class, but she was unable to do so. She is generally difficult to approach, but says second semester will be better than first, and I can probably get a B or an A with some extra help. My Chemistry teacher was very supportive and said we can work out a study plan so I can come in after school for help a few times a week.
Because this semester will be a clear anomaly in my grades, what do you suggest I say about it? I had no health concerns, family problems, etc. It was a simply a tough adjustment to college level classes that I couldn’t handle right away.
I plan on applying to Northeastern, MCPHS, the UCs, but haven’t really thought about college that much. I plan on doing PharmD in college.
Thank you, MidwestDad3! I have spoken on a few occasions with both these teachers. My Calculus teacher tried to get me a seat in the AB class, but she was unable to do so. She is generally difficult to approach, but says second semester will be better than first, and I can probably get a B or an A with some extra help. My Chemistry teacher was very supportive and said we can work out a study plan so I can come in after school for help a few times a week.
Because this semester will be a clear anomaly in my grades, what do you suggest I say about it? I had no health concerns, family problems, etc. It was a simply a tough adjustment to college level classes that I couldn’t handle right away.
I plan on applying to Northeastern, MCPHS, the UCs, but haven’t really thought about college that much. I plan on doing PharmD in college.
You are going to want to concentrate on your strengths in your essays and supplements, IMO. Maybe your guidance counselor could address the anomaly in your grades, in the letter that he or she writes. They are often very good at reassuring the admissions people that you really are a great student! When the time comes, talk to your GC about the best way to deal with it. Also, if you do improve substantially, perhaps your calc teacher might end up writing a great rec letter for you.