Problem---help please!!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Swarthmore College
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<p>How much would a failing grade in Chinese speaking in Year 11 affect my chances? I got an "F" in speaking in Chinese on my Year 11 transcript, but my overall Chinese grade was a pass (like a C or D). Later, I got an overall B in Chinese in the HKCEE (a Hong Kong public exam after 5 years of secondary education), with As in reading and writing, C in speaking, and E (still a pass) in listening--my grades in different components of the Chinese exam were very uneven. Now, as I'm doing the IB, I have a 7 in Chinese--the highest grade in the system. If it makes a difference, Chinese is my native language.</p>

<p>As for class rank, I was definitely in the top 10% (I was in the top 3-4%, actually) in my previous high school. The F in Chinese speaking in Year 11 was something of an aberration (and actually quite a number of us failed it that year). As for now, my current thigh school does not rank students, so I'm not sure what percentage I'm in, but I'm placed on the Honor Roll. My latest progress report (Year 13) indicates I have 40 points out of 42 (IB, only the 6 subjects without the Extended Essay and ToK).</p>

<p>Now, do you guys think the F in Chinese speaking in Year 11 will have a serious impact on my chances? Thanks!</p>

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<p>Hmmm-you’ve posted this in the Amherst, Northwestern, UChicago, Pomona, Claremont McKenna forums…any I’ve missed? If you are currently a senior, I would be wondering 1) what these schools have in common that caused you to apply to such a diverse group and 2) how you can fail Chinese speaking when it is your native language…</p>

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<ol>
<li><p>, I’ve posted this same question in NU, UChicago, Pomona, and CMC forums, but not Amherst’s. I’m not a particular “type” of person, and there isn’t only a particular “type” of schools that will suit me–each of these schools has some things I like, and I can see myself being happy in any one of them.</p></li>
<li><p>I failed Chinese speaking the way a fluent English native speaker could fail English speaking.</p></li>
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