Does anyone have thoughts on sending first semester grades with all A’s and two C’s in AP classes? My D applied RD and we’re not sure if the grades will help or hurt her chances for admission. If they are sent, a message will be sent to the admissions rep explaining why two C’s were received. Any insight is appreciated.
Well, a downhill trend - even for senior year - is not a good thing. At least not until you’re accepted. You can take it easy second semester. I assume she usually didn’t get C’s?
They’re still AP classes, so it won’t harm your daughter too much, but it won’t exactly look good either. If your daughter was a student who never got C’s, and the two C’s right now are anomalies, then it’ll look strange. If not, and this is standard fare for her, then it won’t harm her.
Do include a message, but make sure to not make it sound as though you’re making excuses, regardless of the reason. Wording is crucial.
As for whether admissions officers will care about the reason for it is an entirely different issue.
She’s received a few C’s previously, and combined with the A’s in the other classes (including another AP class) last semester, her GPA is steady. I wouldn’t call it a downward trend, although it is down in comparison to second semester junior year. Thanks for your insight @theconformist.
I’m curious, if you include a message with the C grades, isn’t that calling attention to it? If the story is something like I was ill and took the final with a 102 F fever, then I could see it. Otherwise, why not just send in the grades? The admission office is pretty savvy. No explanation is gonna change that grade.
Yes, you’re right that the grades are what they are. I actually wish her situation had been only taking finals with 102 fever. Her situation was worse, but she chose to not describe it as she didn’t want to look like she’s making excuses. Hopefully they look at all the other grades and see the 3.7 semester GPA and the two low grades don’t hurt her.