<p>I took AP Calculus this year and failed it. I got a 3.47 this semester. Bringing my GPA from 3.92 down to 3.78. I got As and A+s on all others classes except AP Chem, which I got a B+. However, I am now very scared that it would stop me from getting anywhere. Is there anyway to improve my chance? Should I drop AP Calculus??</p>
<p>I thought you already applied to Swarthmore ED2…I don’t think that many schools will be thrilled to see that you failed AP Calc, honestly. Is this CalcAB or Calc BC? Have you discussed this with your guidance counselor?</p>
<p>I did apply Ed2. I took Ap Cal this year, and failed this semester. I actually wanted to drop Ap Cal before, but my school said I couldn’t. They said I had to finish the course since the semester has already started. By the way it is BC.</p>
<p>Well, essentially the fail is reality now. My older son had a similar problem with his IB Higher Math grade in the midterm report. We are convinced that this resulted in his being wait listed at his 3 top schools. The question now, is how you deal with whatever comes your way. Did you fail calc because you lost focus and were busy with college applications and other classes or did you fail because it is something you just can’t do? If it is the first, then no, you should show both yourself and the schools who accept you that you are able to turn a bad situation around. If you really don’t think you can turn things around, then you probably should drop it, but you need to find a way to explain what happened in a positive light.</p>
<p>justchamp,
You’ll know Swarthmore’s answer within a couple of weeks, I’d guess. BC Calc is a difficult course, for sure, and I think you are stuck between the proverbial “rock and a hard place.”
When you apply to these caliber schools, they expect that you will continue with the courses you listed on the common app when you originally applied. On the other hand, they don’t expect to see failing grades from students who are applying. I’m sorry for your situation and hope it works out well for you despite your current predicament.</p>