Will a C ruin my chances?

Applying to College
1

Hello!

I am currently a senior in high school and am applying to Columbia University (early decision), Boston University, New York University, UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, UC Irvine, and University of Toronto.

I have gotten straight As all of my years in high school with the lowest grade I’ve ever gotten being an A- first semester of Honors Geometry Freshman year. I’ve also taken a total of 12 AP classes (5 this senior year) and 4 dual-credit college courses (2 Spanish levels, one creative writing course, and Calculus I). I am at a C in my dual-credit Calculus I course.

I am god-awful at the tests and the instructor has a weird grading system. A C is actually in his top tier of grades because most everyone is either failing or has dropped out. I’ve worked so hard to get this grade up but his grading is entirely based around exams and no matter how many problems I study or tutoring sessions I go to I can’t seem to get above a C average on his exams.

Because of all the classes I’m taking, a C doesn’t actually affect my GPA all that much (3.5 college GPA and 3.96 unweighted HS GPA). Based on my class standing, I will still be Valedictorian of my graduating class. This Calculus course was actually an ELECTIVE for me because I’ve taken all of my math credits already. At first, I wasn’t too phased about this C at first because I really did work hard for it and it doesn’t actually affect me that much… but then I started READING online.

There have been many instances where Cs have barred students from top institutions. A downturn in grades senior year is especially concerning apparently. Should I be concerned about my chances of acceptance? I feel like my transcript has already proved that I am academically savvy and like to challenge myself in my educational pursuits. Could a singular C from Central New Mexico Community College really wipe out everything that I’ve worked so hard for?

Thank you for reading this and offering advice to me. I really appreciate any reassurance right now. :slight_smile:

2

UCLA, UCSB and UCI do not consider Senior year grades in their application review. Senior year grades will however maintain your provisional admission if accepted. One C will not hurt your chances.

3

Thank you for the reassurance but what does “provisional admission” mean?

4

All colleges once accepted will be provisional meaning you need to complete your Senior year classes with satisfactory grades or your acceptance could be rescinded.

Most colleges will list your provisional admission terms such as maintain a 3.0 Unweighted GPA, no more than 2 C’s senior year and no D’s or F’s (UCLA/UCB’s example).

5

There may have been students who claim the only reason they didn’t get into a school was a single grade.

In reality, it doesn’t work that way.

Schools look at your entire portfolio of work, and one C among, what, 90 grading period grades, is not going to make a meaningful impact.

6

Thank you for the help and input @RichInPitt and @Gumbymom ! I feel so much better now about my standing :slight_smile: