<p>Our student is applying to state and private schools. Three offers are on the table, waiting on all other regular decision. GPA is 3.5, ACT Composite 31 (science 31, reading 34). Senior year math grade for 7th semester is a D (pre-calc). We chose math courses that would look good on engineering applications; student's math skills are average at best. Our game plan is back-firing (two other D courses in math in freshman and junior years, these were made up in summer school with As). Will schools pull offers due to the D this semester? Other 7th semester grades are strong including AP course. Should student drop the course for second semeser? Three years of math is required in our state, 4 years is recommended. Thank you for any advice, this is our first go at college admissions.</p>
<p>Sorry you’re in this situation.</p>
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<p>Possibly, I’m afraid. It depends a lot on what colleges or universities you’re talking about.</p>
<p>This seems like a case in which the student’s guidance counselor can be a lot of help, if he or she is any good. A guidance counselor can tell you about previous outcomes when seniors in your school have had low grades for first semester, and can also advocate for the student with the colleges in question. I think the student should arrange a meeting with the guidance counselor a.s.a.p., perhaps including a parent in the meeting, too.</p>
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<p>Tough question. Dropping precalculus certainly won’t impress colleges, but neither will getting a D. If a D is a realistic reflection of both the student’s achievement and his or her ability, then maybe so.</p>
<p>What this student probably should drop, though, is any thought of engineering. The kids who study engineering in college are very strong math students (way better than “average at best”). Most of them have not only taken calculus in high school, but also been at the top of their class.</p>
<p>I have to say if the senior is having trouble with Precalc I would reconsider the goal of an Engineering degree.</p>
<p>^Very true. I have a B in Calc AB as a senior, and that’s making me reconsider going after an economics degree</p>