<p>I recently got a severe concussion and have been forced to drop 1 of my original 3 AP classes. Now my counselor is urging me to take my 2 AP classes as a pass/fail grade so I can make up the work without the added stress while my brain heals.</p>
<p>This will negatively affect my class rank probably dropping me out of the top 10%. I currently have a 3.91 GPA and I really want to apply to Middlebury College ed this November, but they say class rank is very important. Also that most of their kids come from the top 10% of their high school class. My counselor said he will explain everything in my college app so I shouldn't worry. So naturally, I'm extremely stressed about this. How negatively will this affect my college </p>
<p>You simply have to rest or risk permanent cognitive damage. Do not risk long-term brain function for your class rank. Your counselor is right - this can be explained. It will be okay.</p>
<p>There is no hurrying recovery from severe concussion. Your brain needs complete rest.</p>
<p>This happened to one of my friends at school right before our most important exams. Although her grades were not great as a result, the universities she applied to still treated her leniently given the circumstances and accepted her while rejecting other students with similar grades who were in perfect health for the exams. I’m sure Middlebury will do the same, especially if your counsellor explains it. After all, the admissions officers are not robots, are they? They should be capable of understanding the situation and appreciating the fact that your long-term health is more important than anything else. All the best for your recovery and application :)</p>
<p>Are you certain that your 1st Q Sr grades will be used to determine class rank? Our HS operates on a quarter system, but the quarter grades are almost like placeholders. The semester grade is calculated using a blend of the two quarter grades and the midterm, or final for the second semester. The GC will send a grade report along to the ED schools, but the GPA on the transcript will be a sixth semester GPA, or grades as of end of 11th grade. </p>
<p>I realize this may unique to our school but just thought I would mention it in case your school operates the same way. Our school does not rank but school profile includes enough info that one can back into a rank range. But, 1st Q Sr year grades are not reflected.</p>
<p>Good luck healing. Above advice to take it easy is sound.</p>