<p>I am an American-born Asian male, currently a senior in an east coast American high school. I have never been very sure of what I've wanted to pursue after secondary school, but I've recently taken a strong leaning towards the maths and sciences. I am an IB diploma candidate. My grades are generally in the low nineties (my weighted average is currently unknown). I have conducted science research through the school in freshman and sophomore year, participated in Science Olympiad grades 9-11 (I am planning to continue this year) with a couple of medals here and there, have been on varsity math team since tenth grade, and have been part of various engineering clubs in which I have attended competitions the most notable of which is one through which my school team garnered second in a national competition. I have an SAT score of 2290 (720C 780M 790W) and SAT IIs of 700 (Literature), 770 (Chemistry), and 800 (Math II). I am not planning to ever submit my 700 as I am fairly sure that most colleges will only require two SAT IIs... could someone verify? After all this, I would ideally like to pursue mathematics or perhaps physics and narrow it down from there, but I am afraid that my abysmal math average from junior year (79 in IB precalc; a side note: I have been taking the most challenging math courses offered to me blah blah bl) will hinder me in this respect. I am not a poor math student as it certainly seems and even though this sounds like utter trash, I was really not motivated in junior year math and I was a terrible slacker, which of course is now a great source of regret. Being an Asian male with Asian parents, I am looking at Ivy Leagues which will suit my precarious situation. Will my precalc grade kill me? All constructive responses are very much appreciated.</p>
<p>Okay. Cut constructive. All responses appreciated. I am terribly anxious about this precalc grade… it sticks out from the rest of my transcript like a sore thumb, especially considering I am leaning towards science/math.</p>
<p>Ivy League schools don’t want to see a C on one’s transcript, especially when you are an overrepresented minority. Considering that you never won any major national competitions on your own, upper Ivies are probably out of question and you should probably apply early decision to one of the lower Ivies (Cornell, Columbia, maybe UPenn).</p>
<p>Would it be wise to somehow explain, if you will, this C when applying? If I remember correctly all of my other grades are in the A range. And does one C really ruin said chances?</p>