<p>Hey everyone.
I'm a senior, and my first semester grades are on par with the rest of my transcript - I'm a straight-A student.
However, I'm taking seven AP/IB classes, including BC Calc. We had our first test of the new semester today, and I'm pretty sure I bombed it. The material is definitely getting harder, and I'm stretched as thin as I can be with my other classes - I'm not sure I'll be able to put in much more time than I'm doing now.
So my question is: Will one or two B's on the final report have any impact on my admissions? I know that B's are not at all objectively bad, but seeing as I've historically had all A's, will adcoms take this as an indicator that I just decided to slack off?
Additionally, is there any difference between an 80 and, say, an 85? Would I get called out if I had an 80 in calc at the end of the semester?
Thanks.</p>
<p>(I applied to places like HYP, Hopkins, Duke, Penn, Brown, MIT, etc, if that’s helpful.)</p>
<p>No, if you only get a couple B’s in difficult classes like AP/IB, it won’t really affect you negatively. Maintaining nearly all A’s and only a B or two is already impressive. Besides, second semester grades count very little; they only put you in danger if you get like, straight C’s or get D’s. One or two B’s won’t hurt at all, especially because by then, you’ll probably be accepted somewhere. They only rescind admission if grades drop very significantly, like straight A’s to straight C’s. You’re doing well.</p>
<p>As for 80 vs. 85, it depends on your school’s grading system. If your school gives pluses and minuses (A+, B-, etc.) then the 80 would show up as a B-, which won’t look great, but won’t kill you or anything. If your school just gives straight A’s, B’s, C’s, and the like, then colleges can’t tell. I don’t think colleges can find out what percent you got unless it says on your transcript. But by then, it won’t even matter much. You’ve already gotten through the most important terms.</p>
<p>What about 1 or 2 B’s FIRST semester for a previously straight A senior?</p>
<p>It’s okay…im in the same place. I am pretty sure I’ll get a couple of B’s this first semester =/ hope it’s not that bad.</p>
<p>I worked really hard, but with so many aps and honors, this is the best I could do.</p>