I think I might get a C in a summer online health and PE course I’m taking because I missed two weeks of workouts due to being out of town. I otherwise have all As and I’m hoping to graduate with at least 13 AP courses. I’m not asking for you all to chance me, so I won’t include my ECs or SAT. I just want to know how badly this C will hurt me in the admissions process.
The problem is that ivy-caliber schools have more than enough straight A applicants.
Look at various schools’ Common Data Set to see how you compare to the last entering freshman class.
It CAN eliminate you very quickly. Top schools have to look to eliminate applicants. They NEED to find reasons to cut. So, yes, a C in s course, especially for your reason would be a good reason to just cull your app. Unless you have some excellent attributes that a college really wants, yes, this can tank you. But if you are a student that has something they do want, it’s something they’d overlook.
If it was an online course, can you retake it?
I think an admissions officer would understand if the course was held at your high school and you had to go out of town unexpectedly. If there was no way to then make up those classes, your guidance counselor could say so in his/her letter of recommendation. However, I think they’ll be less forgiving for an online course. Where were you that you didn’t have internet access? Which came first, the class registration or the travel plans? It is an “easy A” class for most students, so barring extenuating circumstances, it probably will raise a red flag. Whether or not it sinks your application is going to depend on the rest of your qualifications.
I don’t think one C in an online health/PE class will ruin your chances at a top college. However, all of these top tier schools must be considered longshots for any unhooked applicant. Be sure to create a solid college list that includes reach, match, and safety schools that appear affordable (find out your parents’ budget and run the net price calculator for each school) and that you would be excited to attend.
My teacher had a change of heart and accepted my make-up work. I now have an A-. Not optimal, but certainly not as bad as a C. Thank you for all your advice!