"Pass/Fail" for Electives on HS Transcript?

Applying to College
1

<p>My school ranks by weighted GPA. Basically, if you get a 100 in an "Honors/AP" class, it's a 6.0 ( a 99 = 5.9, 98 = 5.8, etc.). If you get a 100 in a "On Level" class, a 100 would be a 5.0 ( a 99 = 4.9, 98 = 4.8, etc.) No one can get a 6.0 GPA though, because you are required to take certain classes that are level classes.</p>

<p>So, this past nine weeks, my GPA was a 5.4 (for that quarter only). I'm taking 6 "Honors/AP" classes. My only "On Level" class is Tennis. Most sports basically give everyone a 100. But since it's a level class, it's bringing my GPA down. If I took the class "Pass/Fail," it would raise my quarter GPA to a 5.466. </p>

<p>If you don't know, "Pass/Fail" means that as long as you pass the class, you get credit, but the grade doesn't affect your GPA. As long as the class is not a required course, and you are a junior or senior, you can take classes "Pass/Fail."</p>

<p>So now for my question. Will it look bad if I take this class "Pass/Fail?" Also, what if I took AP Psych "Pass/Fail?" I know AP Psych is less reasonable, but my 91 in that class is bringing my GPA down a tad too. If my counselour wrote a note explaining why, would that look better?</p>

<p>I'm ranked number 9 out of 380, but I would really like to raise my rank higher. I had a 4.9 GPA my freshman year and a 5.2 GPA my sophomore year, so I'm trying to drag myself up from my lackluster freshman year. I know any little thing can make Ivies and Ivy-likes drop kick you!</p>

<p>Thanks for answering!</p>

2

<p>Nobody will care about tennis. Some schools make gym classes pass/fail anyway.</p>

<p>AP Psych, however, is an academic subject and, we hope, a rigorous course. The absence of a grade will be a red flag, and gaming the ranking system won’t get you much sympathy. If you’re more worried about class rank than about learning psychology, then drop the class.</p>

3

<p>Okay. Thank you. However? What about Medical Terminology next semester? I couldn’t really fit anything else in my schedule, and it’s an “On Level” class. Will that look bad if I take it “Pass/Fail?” Next year, I’m planning to take all AP classes (except tennis), so this is the only year I’ll have a “Pass/Fail” elective.</p>

4

<p>Your main concern is your rank, not your knowledge. So just take a study hall and protect your rank. If you were actually interested in the topic, you might try to persuade the school to allow you to audit the class. Medical terminology is really a gray area, more skill than academic (though it will help you immensely on the SAT because so many words come from the same roots as medical terms).</p>

5

<p>I can’t take a study hall. And I would like to take the class, but I still would like to maintain my rank. I think I’ll just take Tennis and Medical Terminology “Pass/Fail” and just leave AP Psych alone. I’ll ask my counselour to write a note explaining to colleges when I apply next year.</p>

<p>I’m just really nervous because I know that Ivies can drop kick you for the littlest thing.</p>