Buckle up, it’s going to be a long one. Okay so first of all, I’m barely hanging on to my C in algebra two (I’m a junior first time taking this course like the majority of m small high school) and although I’m planning on retaking a test (she’s finally giving us a chance to retake it she never ever does this, which is unfair) what would happen if I also end of doing poorly on the upcoming final and my final grade is a D? You might be thinking “how is this even possible?” Well let’s just say math has never been my strong suit and the teacher does like to see eye to eye with us students. Anyways my other courses I’m taking this year include: ap computer science (I have a B), US History (an A), Art (an A obviously), Spanish four ( An A), Ap Environmental Science (a B), Ap Language/ Composition (a B) and yeah there’s algebra two. So as you can see I’m course work isn’t exactly easy this year. I plan on attending a Cal state or UC (preferably Cal state) but they only except C’s or higher! Which just adds a 1 billion pound weight on me. There’s also the possibility of later retaking algebra two (if I don’t pass with a C) but I don’t know if I should do that senior year or over the summer? Will retaking it affect my chances of getting in even if the second time I take it I pass?? Please help. ??♂️
UC’s and CSU’s have grade validation for HS Math courses so if you do end up with a D 1st semester but are able to pass the 2nd semester with a C or higher, your course is validated.
However, you would need to repeat the 1st semester (preferably in the summer before Senior year) to replace it with a higher grade which would then be used in your CSU/UC GPA calculation. If you do not repeat prior to Senior year, you will have to report that lower grade (D), state you are repeating the course as ‘in progress” and it will be used in the GPA calculation.
For the UC’s, you have to report both the original grade and repeat grade in the application but the repeat grade is what they will focus on.
For the Cal States, you only have to report the repeat grade in the application.
Either way, I would do everything in your power including asking your teacher for more help, finding a top student willing to tutor etc… and get that grade up to a C at least.
Is it a possibility to repeat both semesters over the summer and if so, how would colleges know I retook the course ?
You can repeat both semesters over the summer prior to Senior year . The CSU/UC applications are not due until November 30th of your Senior year, so you would have your summer grades to report on both applications.
So they will see the new grades correct? Will they also see the old ones? Or does that depend on Cal state or UC?
You self-report all grades on the UC and CSU applications.
For the UC application, you have to list both the original grade(s) and the repeat grade(s).
For the CSU application, you only have to list the repeat grade(s).
Whatever is listed on your HS transcript will be seen by the school you eventually enroll for Freshman year, but rarely do the UC’s ask for transcripts prior to the admission decisions. Some CSU’s do ask for Mid-year Senior transcripts so these schools could see both grades prior to admission decisions.