<p>Hey everybody, thanks for reading. I just took a course at Amherst College, MA (I'm a Hampshire student in the valley and we can take classes at the other colleges). It was calculus I and I got a straight C in it. (The teacher was awful, blah blah blah whatever)
The rest of my transcript is good/great, all As and A-s, and I know I'll have good research experience and maybe one or two pubs by the time I apply to grad school.
Will the C ruin my chances into getting into a top ten neuroscience program (where I feel I was headed before this) or will it bump be back many rankings?</p>
<p>(With the C my GPA is like, 3.87, with the C it's like 3.4)
I'm only a sophmore, that's why it has such impact.</p>
<pre><code>Also, I'm applying to summer internships this semester, should I mention in the apps the reason for getting a C (pretty good reasons), or do professors occasionally see great students who've had trouble with one particular course?
</code></pre>
<p>Your C in Calculus will not have a significant impact upon your chances for admission to graduate programs. Your GPA in major will be much more important than your overall GPA.</p>
<p>Hi Neuroguy,</p>
<p>Milton Roark is right. I wanted to add that for top ten programs, typical preparation in neuroscience probably includes Multivariable Calc, DiffEQ, and calc-based physics courses like E&M, thermo, and physical chemistry. The "C" in this course is not a problem, but you will need to know the material well in order to succeed in future coursework.</p>
<p>I had a C in physics E&M freshman year, and nobody even mentioned it in interviews. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure anyone noticed.</p>
<p>But I do agree with snowcapk that further preparation in math and physics is important for neuroscience PhD applications, unless you're perhaps looking more at cognitive programs than molecular/cellular/systems programs. But a good grade in multivariable calc will likely dispel any notions that math is a weakness for you.</p>