Question about my Midyear Report

Applying to College
1

Throughout middle and high school, I’ve only ever gotten A’s in my classes. I was ranked first in my class. But this last semester, the first of my senior year, I got one C for reasons both my fault and not. Now, my teacher in that class has told the whole class that there are opportunities for students to correct their grades retrospectively – that is, I will probably end up with a B, possibly even recover my unweighted 4.00. The thing is, I now have to send my midyear report, which will show one C in a sea of A’s, and I am somewhat worried colleges will see that and assume I caught stage IV senioritis, especially the few “fancy” schools I am applying to.

So my question is, is there anything I should do to take responsibility and explain that it could be fixed or something along these lines? I’ve been pretty much left to my own instincts in this college admissions process – I’m raised by a single immigrant mother who knows nothing about what I am doing and guessing from all my conversations with him, my guidance counselor is more helpless than her. In other words, I would appreciate any advice!

2

In terms of contacting admissions? No. It will likely come across as making excuses and/or whining.

That will just make them roll their eyes and question grading standards / grade inflation.

3

How long will it be before you have the opportunity to increase the grade? Can your guidance department hold off sending the report for another week to give it time to update?

You don’t want to be seen as making excuses to colleges. Don’t say anything to them. Asking for clarification from your teacher would be the next step.

I sympathize with you not getting much help or useful advice during this process. It truly can be a disadvantage. It seems you were able to get some applications out anyway, which is very good. How much the C will affect your chances depends on the selectivity of the college and whether or not the C was in a class related to your possible major. If your applications are being reviewed holistically, the colleges are looking at more than your grades. If you’ve got other good points and achievements going for you, then you are doing your best.