Hi! I am a student taking an IB course. My interim grades (aka progress grades) really aren’t great. Around weighted GPA:3.
I am FOR SURE going to bring the grades up, after failing 2 tests, it was a wake up call so I got an A- on the latest test but others are too low to use it to simply cover it up. If my final grades are quite impressive, woud my interim grades mess up the transcript and lower my chances? are grades really all college care about?
Your final grades are all that matter. But I question your course choices. The rule of thumb is to take the most rigorous courseload in which you can do well. If you’re weighted GPA is 3 – then you’re routinely getting Cs as well. You should sit down w/your GC and re-examine your course choices. Your failing current tests, your Cs previously – all are screaming that you’re in over your head. This will hurt you in the long run.
Good luck
Your GPA is the most important factor in admissions decisions. The rigor of the course is factored in somewhat. What is your overall GPA for all courses?
Interim grades may or may not appear on your transcript. If not, it doesn’t matter what they are. Check with your GC. But the more important issues have already been pointed out - are you over your head? Studying appropriately? Talk to your teachers about those failed tests and figure out what you are doing wrong. Don’t just try to ‘work harder.’ IB programs are not the memorize and regurgitate fest that AP classes sometimes are when taught poorly.
And yes, your grades are the most important thing for college admissions. There are test optional schools, but no ‘transcript optional’ schools. Your ECs only matter at the most selective places and are a distant third behind grades and test scores even there. If part of the reason you’re struggling is because of your ECs, drop them. In the long run, it’s about learning how to learn - a lifelong skill that if you don’t develop now, you will live to regret later.