I got into Stanford University EA this fall. I have always maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout high school but this year I fear I might be getting a C or worse a D, on a class I’m taking at a community college (Differential Equations). The only reason why I’m getting a low grade is because my teacher keeps giving me F’s on assignments counted as quizzes for the smallest things, like because the size of my paper was off by an inch or I didn’t box the entirety of my answer. And honestly, I think he straight up just hates me. He always gives me dirty looks in class and does not help me at all after class. My grades for all my other classes are A+'s this semester but it’s just that one class that keeps putting me through the wringer and I’m especially scared since math was my intended major but I’m planning to switch to comp sci. Do you think that they will rescind my application over one bad grade and if they do, is there anything I can do to change that?
Seriously? Why didnt you drop the course and pick another when you started getting F grades? Or get the paper size right or answers in the right box?
This doesn’t make sense.
Sure. Stanford wants a decent grade. You were admitted wanting a stem major?
Make an appointment with the Division Dean who oversees college’s the math department. Very clearly and politely explain the challenge you are facing, and bring evidence supporting your specific claims. Explain about your Stanford EA and that your grades in all other courses have always been perfect. Articulate the very real danger that this professor’s arbitrary assessment method will cause you to lose your acceptance to Stanford. Ask for assistance.
Did your application to Stanford mention this course, or is it something you decided to take later? If it’s simply supplemental, you could ask the Dean for a late drop. Also, research a bit and find out whether this is a full-time professor or an adjunct instructor. If s/he is an adjunct, look into how long s/he has taught at the college. This can all be helpful information when speaking to the Dean. The Dean’s ability to help if it’s a tenured professor or longstanding instructor will be more limited.
Good luck with your conversation with the Dean. Remember to be polite and respectful and to focus on expressing concern for your future based on very clear evidence of very specific harmful and seemingly arbitrary grading practices. Include compliments about how you’ve been learning a lot, or how the instructor made good choice in the textbook, etc. Be likable and express appreciation for the opportunity to take courses at the college, complimenting other classes you’ve taken at the college as well. That said, focus on identification and reasonable resolution of the specific problem you are facing.
Hope this helps.
I hope you’ll return to update us with how it goes.
My application to Stanford did mention I’d be taking the course. I’ll do my best to bring up the grade as best as I can but we do only have an upcoming final. I’m debating whether I should bring up the situation to my math teacher himself, but I’d be surprised if he even feels a hint of sympathy for me. Do you guys happen to know anyone who did get their acceptance rescinded and for what circumstances?
If this instructor is truly failing you for the wrong size paper, I sincerely doubt that talking to him would make any difference.
Absolutely discuss this with the dean and make sure you bring a copy of the syllabus with you to that meeting. Also, are you expecting the course at the CC to be applied toward your HS GPA (i.e., as dual-enrollment credit)? If not, I would consider dropping the class (pending the outcome of your meeting with the dean).
The semeste is nearly over.
My two college age kids finish this week-- we’re leaving this afternoon to go pick up one and the other finishes today.
I’m not sure you can really do anything at this point; it’s very likely too late. If it was an issue that kept happening, it probably should have been addressed far earlier in the semester.
And it’s absolutely too late to consider dropping a class.
If s/he is on the quarter system, OP would still have time to drop. Community colleges on the quarter system typically start spring quarter in April and can finish as late as the last week in June. That said, it sounds like dropping isn’t an option because it’s part of the course plan OP submitted to Stanford.
I’m considering about dual enrollment @gabrielhenderson how was your experience you must have matured a lot 