Hi, I’ve recently decided to apply to U of M at Twin Cities after a very long period of going back and forth about it. I applied to CLA as a political science major, if not that then philosophy. I have accomplished a lot in my community through public service, testifying for a bill, protesting, canvassing, etc.
However, I made two (or three) major mistakes as a high school student. I took AP Physics 1 and AP Calculus AB. AP Physics I ended the year with a C+ (B first semester and C second semester). I’ve always been good at math, this is my fifth class i’ve taken, but our class average is around 63%. Even with a private tutor I can barely hang on to my low C. I decided that I’m dropping calculus at semester. The third mistake is my lack of standardized test taking skills. My ACT is a 24, and I just retook it in October.
After typing that whole thing out I feel really dumb and wonder why I even decided to apply, anyways, the rest of my transcript is all A’s and B’s in honors classes and AP’s. I have a lengthy extra-curricular resume as well. So my question is relating to how a C and C+ in two AP classes will impact my admission decision and application. Since I’m applying to the CLA is shouldn’t matter THAT much right (obviously it matters but not as much if I were to apply to CSE) If someone can help that would be amazing, if I’m really dumb for applying, tell me as well. Any feedback is good feedback.
What is your unweighted GPA and when did you get that c+ in AP physics?
UMN actually does require four years of math during high school. Did you say you have four full-year math courses on your transcript in case you drop AP Calc? And did you list AP Calc. on your application? If so you’ll need to contact them with any changes to your course load.
Keep in mind that they won’t see your senior grades unless you apply RD or until you are sending them your final transcript. Or, of course, in case you are deferred from EA and want to show them you have a strong academic record through senior year (you’ll have to decide if that one makes sense as an option). If you can hang on to that C and do slightly better 2nd semester, you won’t have to worry about getting any admission rescinded. They don’t tend to rescind for C’s. But if you drop Calc., get accepted before you tell them about the course change, they may possibly rescind. So just make sure to work through these scenarios before you make any decisions on dropping courses.
The 24 ACT is low for CLA - do you have an idea of your new score and did you arrange to have that sent directly to UMN or are you planning to self-report as soon as you know what it is?
While CLA isn’t as selective as some of the other schools and colleges, the plain truth is that it’s getting more selective each year. And they are very likely not going to admit anyone who isn’t college-ready. You would still have to take math and a physical science as part of your LE’s and they want to make sure that won’t be a problem for you. Also, poly sci has many interesting sub-specialities and your coursework in political theory in history are going to be demanding. And I’m sure you are aware how difficult philosophy can be!
You are absolutely NOT dumb for applying to CLA - you don’t sound “dumb” at all, just a bit discouraged - but you might consider a backup college at UMN if you believe that will fit with your plans. Also, have backup schools in mind in case UMN doesn’t work out.
Thank you for the response! I was placed in the wrong math class as a freshman and the only way I could get ahead was to double up and take two. Sophomore year I ended up taking Honors Geometry and Advanced Algebra, junior year I took Pre-Calculus. I currently have AP Calc on my application, but it isn’t submitted yet. I got a C+ in AP Physics 2nd semester last year.
My UW GPA is a 3.5. I plan to send my scores directly to the school once I receive them. I have around three or four other backup schools. The ACT is something else, I’ve taken it five times so far, two prep classes, and realized that when I take the test without any prep and going in and winging it, I do better. So hopefully, my score can go up a point or two (a 27 would be nice).
The double math courses will help your cause, especially if you were pulling A’s and B’s in them. Honestly, it’s not clear that the C+ is going to hurt you too much - they will look at your grades in the context of your course load and take that into account. Are you able to switch into non-AP Calc w/o penalty? You should talk to your guidance counselor about what to do before dropping anything but it sounds like at worst you’ll be reporting a couple of C’s. Perhaps you can submit a personal statement explaining why you bit off a bit more than you were able to chew and what you did to correct that in 2nd semester. Also, perhaps your guidance counselor or an instructor can submit a statement attesting to your other academic abilities. UMN doesn’t require letters of recommendation but they do read them if submitted.
A 27 ACT would be within the mid-50’th range so shouldn’t cause any concerns.
I sent my highest ACT score (24 w/ a 27 in science), and explained in a personal statement my C and C+. I think overall with my activities, and essays, an admission counselor would understand that my grades are pretty good for being very involved, I should be okay (I think!).